Bourbon Lens Thoughts:
More exciting, experimental whiskey coming out of Westward Whiskey today. As a leader in the American Single Malt Whiskey space, we know we can count on Westward for unique, limited releases. It’s great to see this pairing of culinary with whiskey as they partnered with award-winning Baker, Ken Forkish, for a new Whiskey Club Exclusive Release, Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey.
Fast Facts About the Release: Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey –
- About: Westward partnered with longtime friend and collaborator Ken Forkish to incorporate his much lauded French Sourdough Levain yeast in lieu of the whiskey’s typical pale ale yeast. This creative whiskey reflects a thoughtful mingling of four different vintages from across the years, which builds on the success of Westward’s 2020 Sourdough release.
- Style: American Single Malt Whiskey
- Proof: 90 proof/45% ABV
- Barrels: new heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels
- Fermentation: two weeks
- Tasting Notes: Aroma: Rye spice, vanilla wafer, peppermint, heather honey; Palate: Creamy butterscotch, minty spice, earthy, herbaceous; Finish: Stone fruit, chocolate, vanilla bean
- Price: $99.95
- Availability: exclusively via the Westward Whiskey Club (a DTC whiskey club), with shipping to more than 35 states.
Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey
Westward Whiskey, an elevated American whiskey, introduces its third club release of the year, Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey – 2023 Vintage Blend. The release marks the whiskey producer’s second edition of Sourdough, a collaboration with James Beard award-winning Baker Ken Forkish.
In its perpetual search for ways to revolutionize whiskey, Westward partnered with longtime friend and collaborator Ken Forkish to incorporate his much lauded French Sourdough Levain yeast in lieu of the whiskey’s typical pale ale yeast. While remaining faithful to Westward’s trademark style in all other aspects – from double pot distillation to coming of age in new heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels – a two-week fermentation process yielded a host of new flavors. This creative whiskey reflects a thoughtful mingling of four different vintages from across the years, which builds on the success of Westward’s inaugural 2020 Sourdough release.
Master Blender Miles Munroe said, “At Westward, we are dedicated to our Sourdough lineage, and this whiskey is a proud addition to our Club release library. We have kept our members waiting for three years now, but we are confident this second edition was worth the wait.”
Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey – 2023 Vintage Blend is bottled at 90 proof and priced at $99.95. It is shipping now, and available exclusively for Whiskey Club members. To join the Westward Whiskey, which reaches more than 35 states across the country, visit westwardwhiskey.com/pages/the-club.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Rye spice, vanilla wafer, peppermint, heather honey
- Palate: Creamy butterscotch, minty spice, earthy, herbaceous
- Finish: Stone fruit, chocolate, vanilla bean
About The Westward Whiskey Club
Launched in 2019 and previously available exclusively in Oregon, the home of Westward Whiskey, the Club reaches consumers in more than 35 states — by far the largest and most national reach from any whiskey distillery. Members are granted exclusive access to club-only whiskey releases, club-only events led by Westward’s team of experts, and fellowship with others who celebrate American whiskey innovation.
Members can choose from two different tiers: Expedition Club and Founder’s Club. Expedition Club members will receive one bottle of whiskey in Westward’s four yearly Club releases (approx. $100 quarterly), and Founder’s Club members will enjoy three bottles per quarter (approx. $300 quarterly). Shipping is available to more than 35 states.
Other membership perks include The Westward Experience, a distillery tour and tasting offering an in-depth look into Westward’s four-step production process of brewing, distillation, maturation and mingling and a guided tasting featuring several expressions of the brand’s award-winning American single malt whiskies. Westward Whiskey Club members are also eligible to participate in exclusive Insider Tour and Tasting Experiences and other member exclusive events and classes, and receive 15% off all classes, ticketed events and merchandise. Expedition and Founder’s Club members receive exclusive distillery access to taste and purchase archived whiskey, rare whiskey the company has laid down in its vault from previous years.
About Westward Whiskey
American whiskey elevated. Westward began in 2004 with a vision: to make a distinctive American whiskey inspired by the culture, climate, and natural ingredients of the American Northwest. From humble beginnings to its impressive footprint today, creating a bold, robust, and delicious whiskey has remained the team’s true passion. For nearly two decades, the company has proudly been a trailblazer in the American craft spirits community and a leading voice for American whiskey. Westward’s flagship family of whiskeys, which have earned high praise around the world (including Double Gold and Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for all four whiskeys) includes Westward Whiskey Original, Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask, and Westward Whiskey Stout Cask, and Westward Whiskey Cask Strength. Westward Whiskey is available nationwide and in select international markets. Visit WestwardWhiskey.com for more info, follow along on Facebook and Instagram, and find a bottle near you today.
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