Westward Topflight Series 1, Barrel 17, known as Switchback, is a single barrel American single malt whiskey bottled at 119.05 proof (59.53% ABV) from a 100% malted barley mashbill.
Westward Whiskey of Portland, Oregon, makes its American single malt from 100% malted barley, brewed like an ale, distilled twice and matured in new charred American oak barrels in Oregon. This bottle is part of the Topflight Series, a run of single barrels selected for ReserveBar with notes from panel member Lee Diaz, who frames Westward as a key voice in defining what American single malt can be.
Switchback was finished through a multi-stage cask history, a finishing process tied to the barrel's journey, and Diaz called it unlike anything he had tasted before. The nose brings citrus, botanicals, honey and dark chocolate, with hints of hazy IPA and caramel.
One barrel, cask strength and a one-of-a-kind finish: a true collector's gift.
Sip it neat, then add a little water.
American whiskey covers a wide range of styles, from bourbon and rye to single malts and light whiskeys, and independent blenders and small producers have made it one of the most exciting categories in spirits.
American single malt whiskey is made from 100% malted barley, mashed, distilled and matured in the United States, and its makers are free to experiment with casks in a way Scotch rules do not allow. Single barrels at cask strength show that freedom at its boldest.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Citrus, botanicals, honey and dark chocolate.
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Notes: Hazy IPA and caramel.
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Barrel: Series 1, Barrel 17, multi-stage finish.
Specifications
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Producer: Westward Whiskey
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Style: American Single Malt Whiskey, Single Barrel
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Expression / Batch: Topflight Series 1, Barrel 17 (Switchback)
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Grain: 100% malted barley
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Proof / ABV: 119.05 proof (59.53% ABV)
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Region: Portland, Oregon, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, then with a few drops of water. It pairs with dark chocolate, citrus desserts or aged cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Topflight Series?
Single barrels selected for ReserveBar with a tasting panel.
Why Switchback?
The barrel went through a multi-stage cask finish.
What proof is it?
119.05 proof.
Explore more in our American Whiskey collection.
