Westward Whiskey's 1ST EVER HAZMAT Single Malt Release! "Pocket Rocket" 140p Kitsap Whiskey Society Exclusive Pick

Being a barrel picker is always exciting because with the willingness to drive or fly somewhere at the drop of a hat, very special barrels can be found. You just never know when it will happen. This was exactly the case when my wife and I were on our way to Bend, Oregon to attend a Whiskey Myers concert. Anytime I drive through Oregon I reach out to my great friend Jonathan, the single barrel manager at Westward Whiskey. He responded quickly and told me to stop by on the way because he had something special for me to try, my interest was piqued because whenever he has said those words in the past, delicious whiskey has been the result. When I arrived, we immediately began tasting high proof sourdough single barrels which would have been a first release. Unfortunately, those casks weren't all the way there yet though and Jonathan begrudgingly pulled a sample bottle from the pocket of his signature Westward Carhart vest. "I don't even want to taste you on this because it will be so easy to sell" Jonathan said, laughing. He poured it out and we were greeted with a beautiful nose of cream, pastry, orange, and honey. Those notes carry through to the palette with the addition of baking spices and a lingering sweet oak finish. "It's our first Hazmat barrel, and its nine and a half years" he said, which blew me away. This barrel drank so much smoother than so many I have tried at Westward at such a high proof! Pocket Rocket was born right there. I hope you enjoy this barrel as much as my wife and I did that night, and you drink it with friends and family this holiday season. Cheers! 

Best,

Kolby