WESTWARD WHISKEY UNVEILS VINTNER’S CUVEE,
A 2024 CLUB EXCLUSIVE

April 24, 2024 (Portland, Ore.) – Westward Whiskey, the pinnacle of American whiskey, introduces its second club release of 2024, Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée, a whiskey that draws from the legacy of the world’s finest wines and showcases the producer’s blending prowess.

Vintner’s Cuvée is the delicious product of years of experimentation, dedication, refinement, and collaboration; it leans on Westward’s success in wine cask-finished whiskeys – like its flagship Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask – while honoring the winemaking tradition that blends together various wines, styles and varietals. This exceptional mingle includes whiskeys aged in fruit-forward Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir barrels, bringing the best of world-class wine to American whiskey and delivering a dram with a bold berry character. With Vintner’s Cuvée, casks from the Willamette Valley, Sonoma County, and Australia’s Margaret River wine regions intermingle to form one landmark libation, delivering a definitive and delightful note of strawberry that elevates Westward’s signature whiskey profile.

Master Blender Miles Munroe said, “Wine finishes in the world of single malts are used often, and for good reason. 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.”

Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée is bottled at 96 proof (48% ABV) and priced at $99.95. It will be available for sale from May 3 through May 14 for preorder, exclusively for Whiskey Club members. To access this release, join the Westward Whiskey Club, which reaches more than 35 states across the country.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Strawberry, dried raisins, figs, red orchard fruits, red lace licorice, citrus peel

Palate: Black currant, strawberry shortcake, clove, forest floor, flan

Finish: Mint panna cotta, graham cracker, cherry jam, orange marmalade, lingering pine & birch

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 included to more than 35 states.

Other membership perks include an annual 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 invited to club-exclusive events (including an annual Founder’s Club-exclusive event) and also receive 15% off all classes, tours, 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 Library from previous years.

ABOUT WESTWARD WHISKEY
The pinnacle of American whiskey. 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 two decades, the company has proudly been a leading voice for American whiskey. Westward’s flagship family of whiskeys –Westward Whiskey Original, Westward Whiskey Pinot Noir Cask, and Westward Whiskey Stout Cask, and Westward Whiskey Cask Strength – have earned high praise around the world, including Double Gold and Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for all four whiskeys, and the distinction of #5 Whiskey in the World by Whisky Advocate (for Cask Strength in 2022). 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.

Tasting notes: Jammy fruits jump out at me and mix with a nice shortbread and poundcake vibe that draws me in for another nosing of the glass. A dash of nice oak brings in balance and even a little twist of spice mix in as well. Coating the palate nicely with butter cookie, strawberries and cream, and a dash of sultana biscuit or maybe even fig jam. That little kick of oak really ties this together nicely.

All in all this bottle is one I would expect to garner a lot of attention, and while I wasn’t expecting to see something like Vintner’s Cuvée rolling out of the northwest, I have to admit the American single malt and gorgeous west coast wines make for an outstanding pair. I can see this being an excellent pour for a holiday or mid winter’s night, although if I’m honest with myself, this bottle isn’t likely to survive until next winter for me to try that. It’s just that nice.

Bourbon Finder Grade: B+

One a quick final note about Westward Whiskey, I hope you have had a chance to check out the Westward Whiskey Club.  The opportunity to check out four exclusive releases (like this damn good bottle) should be reason enough to join.  Speaking whiskey clubs–do you partake in one?  I’m curious to hear from club members as to what their favorite perks to the group can be.  For me, it tends to be single barrel selections, as the chance to explore more unique bottles from each producer is always interesting to me.

Westward continues to grow and innovate in a category that, in my opinion, is sadly under-appreciated in the whiskey world. Hopefully releases such as Westward Whiskey Vintner’s Cuvée can help shine more spotlight on American single malt whiskey. Have you tried any of Westward Whiskey’s expressions? Blast me on social media and let me know. Cheers!

PS – My friends over at Sticker Mule offer killer custom stickers if you need some great quality options for your next whiskey club single barrel selection.  I use them for all of my custom stickers, merch, and packing supplies!