After nearly thirty years of American Single Malt production and a handful of distilleries developing their own styles within the category, the US Tax and Trade Board (TTB) has finally established ASM as its own distinct classification. It is no longer lumped into the broader “majority malt” profile governed by laws written for bourbon, rye, and other American whiskies. This ruling from the agency that defines production standards and labeling requirements brings much-needed clarity and consistency to the drinking public. Westward is one of the older American single malt houses, and like many of its peers, it approaches whiskey making with a brewer’s mindset. “We make great beer, so let’s make great whiskey from that beer” is the core philosophy, and they do it as well as anyone. In this celebration of twenty years of distilling, they may have created one of the best ASMs I have ever tasted. Built from a 21-barrel solera system that includes some of the oldest whiskey in the house, this remarkable expression takes you on a journey few others can. This is an absolute beast. The nose explodes with deep cinnamon and maple, luscious blackberry jam, fresh roasted coffee beans, petrichor, black tea, toasted sesame, a musty tool shed, and even a touch of Mexican hot chocolate. The palate hits hard, with bold spices and jammy berries leading the way, supported by cacao, apricot, sage, licorice, clove, black cherry, burnt turbinado sugar, wet cedar, and tobacco. It all comes together in a dense, decadent finish that brings you right back to the spicy jam that kicked off the experience. Miles Munroe has created a whisky for the ages, worthy of his reputation and deserving of a place on everyone’s shelf, including - maybe especially - the American single malt skeptics.