Description
The Westward Single Barrel Selection BELGIAN ARDENNES is an exceptional American single malt whisky from the USA, which combines Westward’s roots in craft brewing with modern whisky production. For this special bottling, Westward uses an Ardennes Farmhouse yeast from Culmination Brewing. The yeast strain is named after the Belgian Ardennes and is traditionally used for beer styles such as Saison, farmhouse ale and Trappist beer. Westward specifically chose this yeast for its characteristic notes of banana, clove and black pepper. These are intended to complement Westward’s signature character of dried fruit and baking spices, and to demonstrate the influence that fermentation can have on an American single malt.
As a Single Barrel Selection, this edition focuses on the individual character of a selected cask. In its whiskies, Westward deliberately combines experience from the American craft beer Szene with the production of American single malt whisky, with malt and fermentation playing a central role in particular. In the case of the Belgian Ardennes, this concept is particularly evident through the use of the unusual beer yeast. At 45% ABV in a 0.7-litre bottle, this bottling offers a unique interpretation of the Westward Whiskey style and is aimed particularly at whisky enthusiasts who wish to discover experimental fermentation techniques and the intersection between craft beer and single malt whisky.
Tasting NoteColour: Amber.
Nose: Spicy and fruity with black pepper, cherry strudel and ripe banana, accompanied by malty and delicately spicy notes.
Palate: Complex, with notes of waffles, sour cherry and floral hints of honeysuckle, combined with a balanced malty structure.
Finish: Long-lasting and harmonious with hay, fresh cream and soft caramel.
The Westward Belgian Ardennes American Single Malt is best enjoyed neat at room temperature to begin with, so that the fruit and spice notes – characterised in particular by the special yeast – can really come into their own. A few drops of still water can reveal further facets of malt, fruit and spice. Culinary pairings include mature cheeses, air-dried ham or roasted nuts, as well as cherry cake, waffles or caramelised desserts. Given its links to the craft beer tradition, this whisky is also ideal for comparative tastings with saison or farmhouse ales.
