Utilizing Willamette Valley wine barrels from vineyards just a few miles from the distillery alongside others from around the globe, Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée expands on what makes Oregon wines unique in the evolving whiskey landscape.
Westward Whiskey has unveiled its second club release of 2024, Vintner’s Cuvée. The latest offering from the Oregon-based whiskeymaker utilizes red wine barrels from around the globe.
Taking cues from its core range’s Pinot Noir Cask, Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée delves into cask finishing. The whiskey blends whiskeys aged in fruit-forward Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir barrels that come from Willamette Valley, Sonoma County, and Australia’s Margaret River wine regions.
On the nose, the whiskey offers aromas of strawberry, dried raisins, figs, red orchard fruits, red lace licorice, and citrus peel. The palate features black currant, strawberry shortcake, clove, forest floor, and flan. Finally, mint panna cotta, graham cracker, and cherry jam, linger through the finish, alongside notes of orange marmalade, pine, and birch.
“Wine finishes in the world of single malts are used often, and for good reason,” says Master Blender Miles Munroe. “The results are fantastic, and everyone appreciates the flavor combinations that occur when wine notes mingle with malt whiskey. An immediate berry character will lure any whiskey drinker in while the depth, mouthfeel and structure of this dram will connect with the most experienced of appreciators. This is the first of its kind from Westward, but it is also inspired by one of our most recognized and most awarded core expressions, Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask.”
Bottled at 48% ABV, Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée is priced at $99.95. It will be available from May 3 through May 14 for preorder, exclusively for Whiskey Club members.
Last year, Westward partnered with longtime collaborator Ken Forkish to incorporate his much lauded French Sourdough Levain yeast into its Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey – 2023 Vintage Blend.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.