I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Westward Whiskey Sauternes Cask. Bottled at 45% abv, or 90 proof and priced at $99.99, it promises genuine character.
Nose
The mash bill is 100% 2-row malted barley, distilled on November 2016. Bottled at 45% abv, or 90 proof. 2,070 bottles were produced as a whiskey club exclusive. Retail for the Whiskey Club member is $99.99. Color: Dark or red copper. Initially there was some cherry cough syrup I found it a touch medicinal. As the glass opened, I found hints of cut wood, white grape juice and sour gummy candy. There werent any astringent flavors, but there also wasnt a lot of harmony in the nose.
Palate
Initially, there is a lot happening and it takes a few seconds to feel it all through. We start with coffee grounds before settling into the sweet white wine. There is a hint of citrus like ripe limes it evolves into hazelnuts with white faint sugar before drifting into a touch of white peach. The finish is buttery on the tongue, but extremely brief. There is just the softest faintest linger but nothing really present for very long. Before you really start searching for the finish, its gone.
Finish
I really wanted to enjoy this. I like Westward, and I really like their creativity. This whiskey just did not hit the mark for me. Although I was able to find a lot of pieces in the taste, they were all buried under the coffee ground/char profile. The softness of the dessert wine was simply outmuscled by the single malt whiskey.
The Bottom Line
Westward Whiskey Sauternes Cask is fine — not bad, not great, just fine. At $99.99, I think there are better options in this range if you are willing to look around.
