Westward Stout Cask, Barrel No. 18, is a single-barrel American single malt whiskey from Portland, Oregon distilled from 100% malted barley, brewed like an ale, matured first in new American oak, then finished in stout beer casks. That finish is the whole point: the beer casks push in a roasted, coffee-and-chocolate edge that a standard bourbon barrel never gives a single malt. This barrel came in hot at 118.21 proof, cask strength with no water added, so it drinks bigger and more intense than Westward’s standard release. Single barrel means this exact bottle won’t repeat. Start it neat, add water in small increments to find where it opens up.