Westward Whiskey Unveils ‘First-Ever Luxury’ Whiskey Aged in A Process That Pays Homage to a Distinctive Spanish Tipple

Westward Whiskey released its Milestone Expression, the brand’s first luxury whiskey. (Photo: Westward Whiskey)

On Wednesday, Westward Whiskey announced the release of what it’s hailing as its first “luxury” whiskey: Westward Whiskey Milestone. The expression is set to be available to the public on Nov. 8. The whiskey will have a suggested retail price of $250 and will be available on the brand’s website and for purchase in person at locations throughout Oregon.

The whiskey was made from a 21-barrel solera system including some of the brand’s oldest whiskeys. The whiskey was then subjected to a long and slow proofing technique, according to the brand, leading to a spirit that showcases nearly twenty years of the distillery’s operations. The process is what the brand refers to as  “fractional blending” and is typically used in Spanish sherry production within the Jerez region.

“With Milestone, we have selected our most distinctive whiskeys and crafted a 21-barrel Solera system of slow-proofed spirit that will continue to evolve over time to ensure our story and vision will also progress into the future,” Westward Whiskey Master Blender Miles Munroe said in a news release. “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 in Willamette Valley from coveted winemaking regions around the world.”

The bottles are individually numbered, and the spirit clocks in at 86 proof.

With each purchase is a printed invitation to join Westward’s Milestone Society, which is an invite-only community of whiskey enthusiasts.

Each year of this release, Westward intends to draw off a small portion of this whiskey and replace it with another distinctive spirit from its barrel house.

“For nearly twenty years, we have pushed the boundaries to elevate American whiskey,” Westward Whiskey founder and CEO Thomas Mooney said in a statement from the brand. “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.”

Westward Whiskey Milestone Tasting Notes, Via the brand

Nose: Candied citrus, heather honey, toasted almonds, toffee.

Taste: Raisin and plum, light butterscotch cinnamon spice and walnuts.

Finish: Brown sugar, baking spices, rich dried fruit and lingering vanilla.

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