My first Westward and idk why I waited so long! Generously gifted to me by one of my best buddies. This particular bottle is matured and then finished in French oak that held Suzor Wine Pinot noir from the same state (Oregon). The nose is incredibly inviting and dessert in a glass. Warm and thick. Very strong level of chocolate and malt right away. Warm leather along with a nice silkiness, mixed berries and cocoa powder. A damn good nose. It literally smells like chocolate, even more so than Signet from Glenmo. The palate brings graham crackers and chocolate fudge with a faint bite from the French oak. It’s extremely excellent. Easily one of my favorite American made drams and I’m no expert on the American side but I’ve had THH and other renowned drams in the U.S. and Westward are doing things right and easily live up to the hype. One of the best whiskies I’ve had in years.