American Single Malt Whiskey is a ‘thing’ – well almost.
Proposals from the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission – AMWSC – have been forwarded to the Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau – TTB – to give definition & legal framework for the category.
While the legislation catches up with evolution in the drinks industry – I’m more interested in how this American Single Malt Whiskey actually tastes!
A online tasting by the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder was too good to miss.
Sadly – after I’d decanted my samples into my favourite Túath Whiskey Glasses to breathe – the gig was rescheduled!
Undeterred – I tasted away!
Westward Single Malt, 45%
As Thomas Mooney – cofounder of ASMWC & Westward Whiskey – is behind this whiskey I’d assume it complies with the ASMWC proposals.
100% barley – grown in Oregon for a touch of terroir – distilled & matured in Portland using lightly charred oak barrels & presented at 45%
The nose was a trifle shy – clean, fresh, malty with woody vanillas.
A gentle smooth palate.
Slight oakiness towards the rear with a flourish of tannic spice to round things off.
A very pleasant easy single malt to start the show rolling.
Westward Single Malt Stout Cask 46%
Lovely rich expressive & inviting nose.
Heavy palate feel – almost chocolatey.
Oh yes! – Enjoying this one.
Lovely touch of prickly heat on the rear too!
My kinda malt!
Westward Single Malt Pinot Noir Cask 45%
Soft gentle nose with hints of sweet fruitiness.
The summer fruits come to the fore on the palate.
Clean fresh finish dries out leaving a pleasing prickly spice.
Nice!
Thoughts
Without a doubt the Stout Cask won me over. Not that the others weren’t good whiskey – just not as inviting on my palate.
Unlike other beer/whiskey cask collaborations Westward matured their whiskey for a year in locally sourced stout barrels & the results certainly shone for me.
All 3 of these malts stand up very well against anything Scotland & Ireland has to offer.
As ever the competition within the spirits sector increases constantly.
A wonderful trio of American Single Malts to launch the category.
Sláinte
All bottle images courtesy Celtic Whiskey Shop
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