Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 American Single Malt Whiskey – 114 Proof (57% ABV) | 750ml

Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 American Single Malt Whiskey is a limited-edition release from Portland, Oregon, showcasing the depth and complexity of Westward's oldest and most carefully developed whiskeys. The fourth installment in the Milestone series, this expression draws from an evolving 21-barrel solera system and takes inspiration from the traditions of Cognac and Armagnac. Bottled at a robust 57% ABV, it combines rich malt character with layers of Manuka honey, coconut, brown sugar, apricot, fig, warming spice, and mature oak. Its complex profile reflects the influence of Hungarian oak and French oak Armagnac casks, creating a distinctive American single malt designed for thoughtful sipping.

Key Details

Spirit Type: American Single Malt Whiskey

Brand: Westward Whiskey

Expression: Milestone Edition No. 4

Release: 2026 Limited Edition

Alcohol Content: 57% ABV (114 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA

Grain: 100% malted barley

Maturation: Drawn from an evolving 21-barrel solera system

Cask Influence: Hungarian oak and French oak Armagnac casks

Age Statement: No age statement

Blending Expert: Miles Munroe

Process & Production

Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 begins with American single malt whiskey made from malted barley and produced at the Westward distillery in Portland, Oregon. The distillery's approach emphasizes locally malted barley, ale yeast, slow fermentation, and double distillation in custom pot stills designed to create a robust, flavorful spirit.

At the heart of the Milestone series is an evolving 21-barrel solera system containing some of Westward's oldest and most prized whiskey stocks. As whiskey is drawn for each annual release, selected casks are introduced into the system, allowing character from previous releases to carry forward while the blend continues to develop.

For Edition No. 4, blending expert Miles Munroe drew inspiration from the traditions of Cognac and Armagnac. The majority of the whiskey underwent secondary maturation in Hungarian oak and large French oak casks that previously held Armagnac. Hungarian oak contributes distinctive spice and structure, while the Armagnac casks bring layers of dried fruit, earthy depth, and mature wood character.

The whiskey is bottled at 57% ABV, preserving its concentrated flavor and full-bodied character.

Appearance

Deep amber with rich copper and golden-brown highlights, reflecting its mature whiskey character and specialized cask maturation.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Manuka honey, gardenia, coconut, and citrus oil open the aroma, balanced by earthy cedar and vetiver.

Palate: Brown sugar, split oak, birch, warming spice, and savory vanilla develop into notes of apricot, fig, and leather. The malt foundation brings richness, while the cask influence adds fruit, earthy complexity, and structure.

Finish: Long and layered, with lemon and lime rind, bright cherry, tobacco, walnut, bergamot, and espresso affogato lingering alongside mature oak and spice.

What Makes It Special

Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 represents the fourth annual release in the distillery's premium Milestone series. Its evolving 21-barrel solera brings together whiskey stocks developed over time, while the combination of Hungarian oak and French oak Armagnac casks creates a distinctive finishing profile inspired by European brandy-making traditions.

The result is an American single malt that moves beyond straightforward malt sweetness, offering a layered combination of floral aromas, orchard fruit, dark fruit, spice, leather, nuts, and espresso. Its 114-proof bottling delivers intensity and depth, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate high-proof whiskey and experimental cask maturation.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy neat in a tulip-shaped whiskey glass to explore the full range of aromas and flavors. Allow it to rest for several minutes before sipping, giving the honey, floral, citrus, and oak notes time to open up. A few drops of water can soften the alcohol intensity and reveal additional layers of apricot, fig, vanilla, and spice.

For food pairings, try dark chocolate, dried figs, roasted walnuts, aged cheeses, or a rich dessert featuring caramel or espresso. Its complex profile also makes it an excellent after-dinner sipping whiskey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Westward Milestone Edition No. 4?

It is the fourth annual release in Westward Whiskey's premium Milestone series, an American single malt drawn from an evolving 21-barrel solera system.

What is the alcohol content?

It is bottled at 57% ABV, equivalent to 114 proof.

What makes the cask maturation distinctive?

The majority of this edition underwent secondary maturation in Hungarian oak and French oak Armagnac casks, bringing additional spice, dried-fruit character, and earthy complexity.

Why does it have no age statement?

The evolving solera system combines whiskey stocks of different ages and is continuously refreshed, making a single age statement unsuitable for the finished blend.

What does it taste like?

The profile includes Manuka honey, gardenia, coconut, citrus oil, cedar, brown sugar, apricot, fig, leather, cherry, walnut, tobacco, and espresso.

Is Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 bourbon?

No. It is an American single malt whiskey made from malted barley, rather than bourbon, which has a different grain and production specification.

How should it be served?

It is best explored neat first, followed by a few drops of water if desired to open up additional aromas and flavors.

Brand Story

Westward Whiskey was founded in Portland, Oregon, with a focus on creating an American single malt that reflects the character of the Pacific Northwest. The distillery uses locally malted barley, ale yeast, and custom pot stills to produce a robust malt whiskey. Its Milestone series represents an ongoing exploration of blending, maturation, and cask influence, bringing together the distillery's accumulated experience and its interest in distinctive whiskey-making traditions.

Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 American Single Malt Whiskey

Westward Milestone Edition No. 4 American Single Malt Whiskey is an expressive, high-proof release that brings together the depth of an evolving solera with the distinctive influence of Hungarian oak and Armagnac casks. With layers of Manuka honey, coconut, brown sugar, apricot, fig, warming spice, citrus, walnut, and espresso, this limited 750ml edition offers a complex and memorable expression of American single malt whiskey.