Seattle-based Westland Distillery is releasing a new single malt whiskey to the nation this week. Westland American Single Malt Whiskey is made with all-American ingredients and matured in true American style on U.S. soil.
Opened in 2010, Westland Distillery evokes the traditions of Scottish whisky produced with ingredients exclusively from the Pacific Northwest. With a base of pale barley malt grown in Washington State, Westland American Single Malt Whiskey is produced from a grain bill comprised of five different roasted and kilned malts. Inspired by the craft-brewing culture of the region, specialty malts are then added to impart notes of chocolate, nuts, cookies, pastries, mocha, caramel and raisins. A Belgian brewer’s yeast further enhances flavor development – creating fruity esters during fermentation. Finally, the whiskey is matured in the finest new American oak casks to round out the flavor profile with hints of vanilla, caramel and coconut.
“Every whiskey at Westland Distillery is underscored by our house style – a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and complex but ultimately grain-focused finish worthy of its place in this new world,” says Matt Hoffman, master distiller at Westland, which produces 1,500 casks of the American Single Malt Whiskey annually.
“Rarely in my 30 years of experience have I met people who are so single-minded about their vision for American single malt whisky,” says David King, president of Anchor Distilling Company. “In 15 years, I believe, Westland will define American single malt whisky as a world-class category within our industry.”
Here are the tasting notes for Westland American Single Malt Whiskey:
The initial nose is awash in cherry cake and graham cracker. But shortly after, a rich creaminess emerges with creme brûlée and chocolate custard while a hint of jasmine hides just beneath the surface. The first sip confirms the creamy and rich, mouth-coating cherry cake notes on the nose. After five minutes the nose begins to reveal melting Toblerone chocolates, almonds and a touch of smoky pine. Waffle cone joins the group along with Rainier cherries after a water addition. Extended tastings bring out white chocolate, Turkish coffee (with cardamom), bananas flambé and decadent cream.
A bottle of Westland American Single Malt Whiskey will cost you about $80.