Westward Whiskey Recruits Rum, Pinot Noir and Stout Casks for 2024 Milestone Release

(Photo: Westward Whiskey)

On Tuesday, acclaimed single malt specialist Westward Whiskey rolled out the second bottling of its Milestone Edition series. Subtitled “A Discovery of Spice,” the expression pulls from decades of distillation to create something akin to a high-end infinity bottle.

Each year, the Portland, Oregon-based distillery reserves a small fraction of its output with Milestone in mind, setting aside the liquid in a 21-barrel solera system. Often used in wine production, the solera process allows for the fractional blending of alcohol in a variety of barrel types. The brand hasn’t disclosed each and every cask finish used in this year’s bottling, though inclusions reportedly span pinot noir, stout and rum.

The result is bottled at 48.5% ABV (a nice bump from last year’s, which was at 43%) and is said to feature aromas of honeysuckle, dried cherry and mocha balanced against flavors of peach streusel, rum raisin, coconut flake and apple pie. Bottles are available now at a hefty $249.95.

We had a chance to review this expression ahead of its release. Click here to read our thoughts.

Master blender Miles Munroe says that the “time capsule” approach was inspired by a trip to Taiwan. The pairing of local street food with Westward’s whiskey drove him to explore new depths of flavor, with a particular emphasis on unexpected combinations.

“Pulling from the archives, we have integrated some of our oldest whiskeys with a selection of beautiful wine and wood finishes, both from our home near Willamette Valley and from coveted winemaking regions around the world,” Munroe remarked in a news release.

The inaugural bottling in the Milestone series dropped in 2023, and, oh boy, was it something else. Layered but not overwhelming in its complexity, we were blown away by its rich, caky palate and lovely finish of pudding, cinnamon sugar, nougat and caramel. Other reviewers seemed to agree — Milestone Edition No.1 garnered a Raided Score® of 95, the highest of any bottle in the distiller’s catalog.

Westward was brought to market in 2004 by Munroe and Thomas Mooney, the former president of the American Craft Spirits Association. Other personal favorites in its single malt portfolio include the brand’s Grand Cru Sauternes Cask Finish.

“For twenty years, we have pushed the boundaries to elevate American whiskey,” CEO Thomas Mooney added. Harnessing this maker’s knowledge, we challenged ourselves to explore what the ultimate expression of Westward Whiskey could be. Milestone is our masterpiece – a truly special whiskey that celebrates the legacy of our past and the promise of our future.”

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