About Us
Westward began in 2004 with a vision: to make a distinctive American whiskey inspired by the American Northwest. Though we have always deeply respected the history and tradition of whiskey-making around the world, we sought to make something entirely new and Westward Whiskey was born.
At the time, there were only three dozen craft distilleries in the U.S. Today, helmed by Thomas Mooney, who joined the team as Founder & CEO in 2011 to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a whiskey entrepreneur, Westward is a proud leader among more than 2,200 producers.
From humble beginnings to its impressive footprint today, creating a bold, robust, and delicious whiskey has remained the team’s true passion. For more than two decades, we’ve proudly served as a leading voice for American Single Malt.
Our Process
At Westward, we’re beholden to whiskey, not the traditions that surround it. This mindset -- to set whiskey free -- informs our process, where we brew like a pale ale, distill like a Single Malt, and age like a Bourbon. We pursue perfection by building flavor in every step of the way. There are no shortcuts in our long, slow process, and therein lies the beauty.
Brewing.
We begin by brewing an artisanal American Ale from scratch, using locally malted barley, ale yeast, and a slow, low temperature fermentation.
Distillation.
We distill twice in custom low-reflux pot stills that we designed to create a robust spirit, and transform our fresh, flavorful Ale into whiskey.
Maturation.
We mature to perfection in new, lightly charred American Oak barrels selected to accentuate the bold characteristics of our whiskey.
Mingling.
We mingle our barrels in small batches to achieve Westward’s signature flavor profile – balanced and bold.
Latest Special Release Whiskey
WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT CHARDONNNAY CASK
Two legendary terroirs, together in one bottle. This limited offering takes our love for wine-finished whiskeys to legendary new heights with the influence of coveted French Oak casks from Tonnellerie Nadalié in Ludon-Médoc, which are raised to enhance the crisp fruit notes in white wine and are incredibly hard to acquire here in the U.S.
Finished for one year in French Oak barrels which previously held Chardonnay for a prized producer in the Russian River Valley, this whiskey marries the Chardonnay’s brightness and acidity with Westward’s earthy, fruity, and spicy notes for a complex and delicious sipping experience.
Previous Special Release Whiskey
WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT RUM CASK
With a mission to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making in mind, Rum Cask marries our founder’s roots in Guatemala, the mindset of the American Northwest, and our world class whiskey-making. Finished in Magdalena Rum casks, an all-natural, cane-to-glass Guatemalan rum created by the Westward Whiskey team from the finest possible ingredients and a low, slow fermentation process, this American Single Malt offers tropical and fruity notes to complement the signature bold, robust flavors of our whiskeys.
Previous Special Release Whiskey
WESTWARD AMERICAN SINGLE MALT ELEMENTS: HIGH DESERT TO KLAMATH BASIN
While every whiskey we make is inspired by the American Northwest, this inaugural release in a new series called Elements is a special representation of our Oregon home. Westward American Single Malt Elements: High Desert to Klamath Basin is entirely sourced from Oregon, including two-row spring barley developed at Oregon State University. Prized for its flavor, the varietal is called Full Pint and is grown all around Klamath. This feature also includes a select blending from barley grown and malted in Madras, the central high desert, which was finished in Garryana (Oregon white oak) casks from Oregon Barrel Works, the Pacific Northwest’s only cooperage.
Previous Special Release Whiskey
WESTWARD AMERICAN TWO MALTS x FORT GEORGE BREWERY CAVATICA STOUT
Thinking outside the barrel yet again, we proudly partnered with Ft. George Brewery from Astoria, Oregon to reimagine their famous Cavatica Stout as a Westward whiskey. This stout is renowned for being a deep, dark and delicious “strapping American Double Stout.”
Double pot distilled and aged in charred American white oak for 3.5 years, one sip of this brewery collaboration offering reveals layers of flavor – espresso, dark chocolate, honey and Stroopwafel – that showcase the exciting, delicious possibilities of experimentation.
Previous Special Release Whiskey
WESTWARD AMERICAN TWO MALTS CHOCOLATE RYE
This latest exclusive Club release is all about perfect pairings: whiskey and chocolate; brewing and distilling; barley and rye. Over the years we have found several ways to reimagine whiskey through the lens of brewing collaboration, but the American Two Malts Chocolate Rye is something entirely new. Just 2.5% of chocolate roasted rye added to our grain bill is enough to strike a balance of flavor and complexity that complements the true character of Westward. Slowly savor to appreciate the balanced, earthy spice notes alongside those of juicy fruit.
What is American Single Malt?
These are the six standards of identity set by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.
Westward elevates beyond the standard, reimagining something all its own.
Serving Suggestions
As an elevated whiskey, Westward is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, like the Old Fashioned.