We somehow missed Westward’s inaugural Milestone release, a whiskey billed, with no shortage of breathless excitement in the press release, as the Oregon distillery’s “most ambitious, limited, and exclusive” offering ever. The product of a 21-barrel solera system and slow proofing, Milestone is essentially an infinity bottling, reportedly comprised of some of their oldest and rarest casks (but without further specifics). The second edition released this fall celebrates Westward’s 20th anniversary and carries a subtitle, The Discovery of Spice, which I’ll let them explain.

Inspired by a visit to Taiwan and a transformative street food pairing he experienced with each of Westward’s flagship expressions, Master Blender Miles Munroe embarked on an expedition to take the American Single Malt producer’s signature spice notes to unparalleled heights by incorporating new, exotic woods to amplify the characteristics from their iconic and innovative cask finishes – including Stout, Pinot Noir, and Rum. The result is a whiskey worthy of the journey, one that strikes a distinct balance between Westward’s signature style and previously undiscovered aromas and flavors.

I’m not sure what other exotic woods Mr. Munroe incorporated into this release, but the presence of Brazilian oak (Amburana) is unmistakable — but well-integrated into the layered, almost sultry, aroma. Fruity top notes of well-baked banana bread, black raisins, and stewed peaches complement a foundation of roasted walnut, sugared almonds, and telltale fragrant notes of sandalwood and Ceylon cinnamon. Once things fully open, gently sweet chocolate dominates, alternating between dark fudge and airier cocoa powder. With enough time in the glass, it transforms into an elaborate, well-spiced hot chocolate.

The palate retains some of that rich chocolate character, but it’s not nearly as prominent, with lots of dark spice and fruit offering plenty of counterbalance. Early notes of grilled peaches, marmalade, and Almond Joy candy bar give way to pronounced, at times almost prickly, barrel spice, with the Amburana particularly heavy. Chili flakes simmer across the midpalate, along with woody cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla bean, grated nutmeg, and a bit of Chinese five spice. Fresh-baked gingerbread eventually takes over, heading into a long, piquant finish of ground ginger, raisin-filled oatmeal cookies, and clove-studded oranges. It’s a rollercoaster of flavor, unlike anything I’ve encountered in American single malt. And a fitting celebration of two impressive decades of whiskey-making at Westward.

97 proof.

A- / $250

Westward Milestone Edition No. 2

$250

9

Rating

9.0/10

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