Westward Releases Whiskey for International Women’s Day

Westward Whiskey is celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with its second annual Women of Westward release.

The 2021 Women of Westward Benefit Barrels features two limited edition single barrel selections bottled at 90 proof for 750ml. Each individually numbered bottle features a “Women of Westward” benefit barrel exclusive release label. For each bottle sold, Westward will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to charities.

Chosen by the Barrel Selection Panel, this year’s charities are Al Otro Lado, a company that provides holistic legal and humanitarian support to indigent refugees, deportees, and other migrants in the US and Tijuana through a multidisciplinary, client-centred, harm reduction-based practice, and Black Mamas Matter Alliance, a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance that centres Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.

The two barrels and charities were selected by the all-woman 2021 Barrel Selection Panel, which consists of drinks industry influencers from around the country, including:

• Alexis Belton-Tinoco: Bar Director, The Aviary; Charity Selection: Al Otro Lado
• Ashtin Berry: Bartender, Educator, Equity Worker; Charity Selection: Black Mamas Matter Alliance
• Emily Mistell: Owner/Beverage Director, Hey Love; Charity Selection: Black Mamas Matter Alliance
• Lauren Paylor: Owner + Co-Founder Focus on Health; Charity Selection: Black Mamas Matter Alliance
• Natasha David: Co-Owner, You & Me Cocktails; Charity Selection: Al Otro Lado
• Tiffanie Barriere: Bartender, Educator, Innovator; Charity Selection: Al Otro Lado

“We are proud to be honouring and toasting to all women with our Women’s History Month programming,” Director of Sales & Trade Advocacy Erin Hayes said. “At Westward, our dynamic team of women is key to our mission of elevating American whiskey. I’m delighted to be a part of such a dedicated, skilled, and accomplished team and part of a company that recognises and appreciates women year-round.”

Barrel No. 1, an Oregon Exclusive

• Date of Distillation: 2/24/16
• Char Level: 3
• Mash Bill: 100% Two Row Pale Malted Barley
• Batch size: 1 barrel
• Availability: Oregon only
• Aroma: Herbaceous, brown sugar, winter spice
• Palate: Baker’s chocolate, toasted pecan, dark cherry
• Finish: Lingering oak, earthy malt
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

Barrel No. 2, a US National Release

• Date of Distillation: 1/27/16
• Char Level: 3
• Mash Bill: 100% Two Row Pale Malted Barley
• Batch size: 1 barrel
• Availability: Nationwide
• Aroma: Caramelised sugar, honeysuckle, banana
• Palate: Vanilla spice, ripe tart fruit, banana bread
• Finish: Buttery, dried fall spices, rich malt
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

The 2021 Women of Westward Benefit Barrels will be available for purchase on the distillery’s website for $99.99 and at Westward’s Oregon tasting rooms at the distillery in downtown Portland and Portland International Airport for $99.95 plus select retailers in Oregon while supplies last.