Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023 Vintage Blend at 45% abv; SRP $99 — at $99.95 exclusively via Westward Whiskey Club, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
Very light and aromatic with a malt forward profile giving way to citrus, and bread undertones. of creamy butterscotch, minty spice, that is earthy and herbaceous before a finish of stone fruit, chocolate, and vanilla bean. Sourdough is a unique yeast strain that can survive for decades if properly fed. Mixing the sourdough yeast and the complex sugars of malted grain could result in some very fascinating outcomes in the whiskey. With that we turn to the glass. We review Westward x Kens Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023 Vintage Blend, incorporating a special sourdough yeast in place of the whiskeys usual pale ale yeast. (image via Westward Whiskey) Tasting Notes: Westward x Kens Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023 Vintage Blend Vital Stats: 90 proof or 45% abv; SRP $99.95 exclusively via Westward Whiskey Club. Appearance: Light straw Nose: Very light and aromatic with a malt forward profile giving way to citrus, and bread undertones. Taste: The mouthfeel is watery but very smooth as it covers the palate. The flavors here are under stated and take a moment to flush out. The profile starts with a light wood char and green apples with white sugar. Successive sips open up some dark chocolate and sourdough bread. The finish is long with a tingle to the back of the mouth. It is dry overall after such a watery mouthfeel, with hints of char and yeast.
Palate
After sipping on this for a minute, I found myself appreciating it more and more. It doesnt blow your doors off on first impression, but it is going to open nicely. I think this whiskey in particular would have benefited from more time in oak. Everything is too muted for me to really get behind choosing a sourdough yeast over a conventional one.rnrnI think I found those notes, but it could have been because I know what makes this whiskey special. Its a fine whiskey and a beautiful bottle, but needed a bit more time to develop.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Westward x Ken’s Artisan Sourdough Whiskey 2023 Vintage Blend is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $99.95 exclusively via Westward Whiskey Club, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
