Westward Rum Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey 700ml
American Single Malt Whiskey - 50% ABV - Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks

Where Tropical Sweetness Meets Oregon Malt

Westward Distilling Co, founded in 2004 and a pivotal voice in the Pacific Northwest whisky wave, continues its experimental spirit with this Rum Cask Finish. The base whiskey - crafted entirely from malted barley, open-top fermented, double pot-distilled, and initially matured in new American oak - already carries the hallmarks of a brewing-led whisky born of place. The decision to finish in Caribbean rum casks nods to centuries of trade between New World sugar islands and distilling traditions, bringing a historical resonance to this modern expression.

On the nose, rich aromas of golden syrup, grilled pineapple, banana bread, and honeyed malt meet a soft embrace of warming oak and delicate brown spice. The rum influence is evident yet refined - clean molasses tones rather than syrupy sweetness.

The palate is robust and layered - early notes of toffee, dried tropical fruit, roasted malt, and cinnamon pave the way to nuanced mid-palate touches of clove, dark cocoa, and rum-soaked date richness. Despite the rum finish, the Oregon malt backbone remains steady, providing balance and depth.

The finish is harmonious and lingering, with echoes of banana flambe, ginger, and toasted sugar that taper into a gentle warmth - sweet, yes, but never overwhelming.

Measured Integration of Tradition and Innovation
Rum cask finishes have a history of overshadowing subtle whisky profiles. Westward’s restraint in cask selection and finishing duration ensures that the malt leads the narrative, while the rum cask adds dialogue - not distraction. It’s a fine example of cross-continental cask fusion executed with respect and restraint.

Final Thought
Westward Rum Cask Finish is not a novelty - it’s a meaningful exploration of heritage and flavour, grounded in craft yet enriched by history. It’s a whisky for those who appreciate the nuance of place and the richness of cross-cultural maturation - a journey from Oregon’s forests to Caribbean shores, all in a glass.