From Lee Diaz, Topflight Series Panel Member:
We intentionally selected this barrel because it stretches and challenges everything you know about what an American Single Malt can be. That is an opportunity that Westward has as a prevailing voice in this movement — to help define just where things can go. This "Switchback" Barrel is unlike anything I have tasted before, and the journey that the barrel itself has taken to impart this unique final finish inspired its name.
This was a selection that almost didn't happen. We were just about to finish our time with the Westward team, waiting for our rideshare to the airport, when Miles made one final ask, "Anything else you want to try before you go?" Met with this question, we immediately turned to a mythical barrel that had been so proudly spoken about the night before. That barrel itself had lived MANY lives, and the result of each of these stages imparted something unique to make the final product. First, it was used for Westward for 4 years, then for Aviation Old Tom Gin for 1 year. Then it traveled a few miles down the road to Breakside Brewery to age an IPA for 10 months. And finally, it was filled with 2YO Westward Single Malt and aged for an additional 4 years. The result is unlike anything you have had before and is a creation that will never be made again. The nose is a tantalizing balance of malt, citrus notes, and honey. There's also a subtle hint of Pacific Northwest botanicals and forests. This blend of citrus, compelling botanicals and tasty malt come out on the palate and seemingly accentuates Westward's values and resulting work by being beer brewers first that are truly after the best and most compelling flavors. The finish is long-lasting, warming, and mouth-watering. To me, it clearly keeps an influence of that final IPA aging before returning home to Westward.
TOPFLIGHT: Series 1, Barrel No. 17
PROOF: 119.05
MASHBILL: 100% Malted Barley
FINISHING BARREL: Westward Original (4 Yrs), to Aviation Old Tom (1 yr) to, Breakside Brewery IPA (10 months), then filled with 2YO Westward and aged 4-years.
