Whisky Tasting : The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 14 January 2021. Whisky #2 Nose: Malty, sweet, fragrant ale notes (almost incense-like at times). Caramel toffee and a little black pepper. Palate: Sweet arrival, very malty and rich and again highly suggestive of a full-bodied craft ale. The wash for this must have been just a step away from porter. In the development some lighter notes emerge – nutty chocolate and nougat with preserved stone fruits. Very good texture, oily and lush. Finish: Medium/long. Mildly spicy/sweet cereal. There is a quality about the nose that is reminiscent of stout and it appears on the palate as well with that characteristic chocolate-malt flavour. There are two facets to this whisky – the aromas and flavour are dominated by full-throttle dark-ale maltiness from high-roast barley, while the wheat contributes lighter notes and, most importantly, a full and oily texture. The addition of water mutes the nose and highly amplifies the palate, unveiling considerable spicy heat. I thought that dilution unbalanced it, and I’d recommend taking this one neat. This tasting was from a special “Aussie Exclusive Release” (so it said on the label) which was a single-barrel selection for our market. The barrel in question (number 355) was matured for just under 4 ½ years and produced 120 bottles. This reminded me of some recent Australian whiskies that also use a blend of barley and other grains, particularly the very good Archie Rose Hybrid Malt Rye. This Westland has a familiar profile but if anything it is closer to a Scottish malt character than the Archie Rose, and it has a similarity in some respects to Glenmorangie Signet. Given that it should come as no surprise that Australia is Westward Whiskey’s second largest market after the U.S. Good whisky but unfortunately like all U.S. imports it is overpriced in our market which puts it into a bracket where it is outclassed by other spirits – it costs the same here as a Longrow Red or Springbank 12 year old and it’s just not quite there. However that has not influenced my score - I occasionally add a fraction of a point for very good value, but I don't subtract from a score just because of expense. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)