Westward Small Batch Selection Stomping Ground American Single Malt Whiskey (375ml)
Volume: 375ml ABV: 50% Age: No Age Statement Country: America
The Whiskey
Westward Small Batch Selection ‘Stomping Ground’ is a spectacular cross-continental collaboration that perfectly captures the creative spirit of modern craft brewing and distilling. This unique expression marks an exciting partnership between the acclaimed Westward Distillery in Oregon and Melbourne’s own Stomping Ground Brewing Co. To create this complex profile, Westward’s flagship American Single Malt was transferred into freshly emptied craft beer casks that previously held Stomping Ground’s robust local brews, allowing the whiskey to pull deep, malty, and hop-kissed nuances from the wood. Bottled at a sturdy and expressive 50.0% ABV, this limited 500ml release is non-chill filtered and natural in colour, offering a beautifully bold bridge between American whiskey craftsmanship and Australian beer culture.
Our Tasting Notes
The nose is wonderfully unique, warm, and aromatic, opening with vibrant waves of toasted malt biscuit, creamy caramel, and ripe orchard fruits, quickly followed by an intriguing, craft-beer-driven layer of tropical hops, floral citrus, and a hint of dark cacao. On the palate, the 50% ABV provides a robust, heavy, and incredibly viscous mouthfeel. Rich flavours of creamy milk chocolate, espresso bean, and sticky toffee pudding dominate the entry, beautifully balanced by a sophisticated undercurrent of roasted nuts, baking spices, and a delicate, fruity hop bitterness that cuts through the sweetness. The finish is long, warm, and highly satisfying, concluding with lingering notes of charred American oak, a touch of malted vanilla, and a final, clean hit of grapefruit zest.
The Blenders & Collaborators
The curation of this small-batch selection was overseen by Westward’s award-winning Master Blender, Miles Munroe, in close collaboration with the brewing team at Stomping Ground in Collingwood, Melbourne. Miles has long championed the concept of “beer into whiskey,” as Westward’s entire production process is fundamentally rooted in brewing a delicious, high-quality pale ale before distillation. By sourcing freshly emptied barrels from a pioneer of the Australian craft beer scene, the collaborative team has successfully layered the bright, innovative fruit and hop characteristics of modern Australian brewing onto the bold, oak-forward foundation of American single malt.
The Distillery
Located in Portland, Oregon, Westward Distillery is a true vanguard of the American Single Malt movement, dedicated to crafting whiskeys that reflect the unique, rugged terroir of the American Pacific Northwest. The distillery handles every step of production under one roof, utilising 100% locally sourced two-row pale malted barley and fermenting it slowly with ale yeast to maximize flavour development. Westward operates small, slow-turning copper pot stills designed to produce a heavy, oily, and intensely fruity spirit. Maturing their barrels in Portland’s climate—where hot summers and crisp winters drive dramatic barrel breathing—allows the whiskey to achieve a remarkable depth of flavor and character that makes it the ultimate canvas for innovative craft beer cask maturations.
