A Happy Accident Led to the Creation of 2024’s First Westward Whiskey Club Release: Vienna Malt
(Photo: Westward Whiskey)
On Monday, Westward Whiskey, the Portland, Oregon-based distillery known for its American single malts, announced the first Westward Whiskey Club release of 2024: Westward Whiskey Vienna Malt.
This whiskey arose from an error. Westward’s grain supplier mistakenly delivered two-row Vienna malted barley to the distillery instead of its usual two-row pale. Westward decided to roll with the punches and give the new barley a shot, and this whiskey is the result.
“Largely unexplored by whiskey-makers but prized by brewers for its red color and rich, full-bodied character that appears in Oktoberfests and some IPAs, using Vienna malted barley empowered us to create a well-rounded whiskey with notes of biscuit, honeyed malt, and rich caramel,” Westward Whiskey Master Blended Miles Munroe said in a news release. “Thanks to our roots as craft brewers and our desire to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, we’ve ventured into the unknown and brought back something special.”
Bottled at 90 proof, Vienna Malt is available now for preorder for those in the Westward Whiskey Club. It’s priced at $99.95.
In November, Westward Whiskey released its best expression yet, in our book: Milestone. Westward Whiskey Milestone was named the Best American Single Malt of 2023 in the 2023 Best Whiskey Awards by Whiskey Raiders.
Westward Whiskey Vienna Malt Tasting Notes, Via the Brand
Nose: Maple candies, banana bread, orchard fruit, light floral
Taste: Rich honey depth, coconut macaroon, banana pudding
Finish: Danish butter cookie, toasted nuts, sponge cake, with mint & oak lingering
About the Westward Whiskey Club
Subscribers to the Westward Whiskey Club receive access to four Whiskey Club-exclusive quarterly whiskey releases; access to optional Club-exclusive releases throughout the year; invitations to Westward Whiskey release pickup parties; first access to purchase tickets to Westward events; a complimentary tour of the distillery each year; exclusive access to Library offerings; a 15% discount on Westward merch; access to partner offers and discounts; and a “personalized customer service experience.”
The Westward Whiskey Club is priced at about $100 per quarter for Expedition Club members and about $300 for Founder’s Club members. Membership is available in more than 35 states.
To learn more about the club or sign up, click here.
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