I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Westward Whiskey High Desert to Klamath Basin. Bottled at 45%ABV, 90 proof and priced at $99.95, it promises genuine character.
Nose
The first thing I get is saline. Not just salt water, but the saltiness of cured meats on a charcuterie board. Still on the charcuterie board are juicy red grapes and fig jam. The malt is mellow throughout the nose and helps push everything forward. A stick of cinnamon and powdered sugar follows through near the end. It has a familiarity to it; however, it is unlike any other Westward American Single Malt. Taking in all the aromas together, it begins to have the scent of stale pipe tobacco that you find in a pocket of your grandfathers dusty cardigan in the cedar closet.
Palate
After taking too big of a swig, there is a lot to unpack. There is so much depth and character to this whiskey it is hard to find the right words. At the beginning, dry cinnamon and oak hit the front of the tongue and the back of the throat. The dram then moves along to black peppercorn for a bit of extra spice. I do not find it sweet at all. In fact, the single malt is very savory and earthy. The main note I taste in the body is hazelnut or filberts, as we call them here in Oregon. Again, it is calling back to charcuterie. Toward the end, there is full tobacco leaf. The finish is sooty like cigar ash, and it leaves a glowing ember of warmth in the belly and throat.
Finish
This Westward Whiskey Club exclusive single malt shines. The American NW Elements Series: High Desert to Klamath Basin is a great first bottle to this series. The layers and depth of flavor really display the best of Oregon. One of the first whiskeys in Oregon that really shows that terroir is real. It’s a standalone whiskey for sure, because no other whiskey compares.
The Bottom Line
Westward Whiskey High Desert to Klamath Basin is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $99.95, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
