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Whiskey Review: Westland Distillery Winter 2016

We review Westland Distillery Winter 2016, a seasonal release from Seattle's most famous single malt distillery.

OVERALL RATING

10
  • Katelyn Best, whisky writer & enthusiast.
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Westland Winter

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
of the whole package. Unfortunately, according to the distillery, the retail version comes in “our standard cardboard bottle box,” presumably with no Christmas card. Alas. In any case, here’s a particularly poetic excerpt excerpt from that press release: “At once brisk and cozy, austere and comforting, it hovers over the threshold of the season’s two theaters, the hinterland and the hearth. Nine casks were married for this release. Smoke is the one constant, its waft on the wind carrying us in and out of each scene.” Tasting Notes: Westland Distillery Winter 2016 Color: Warm gold
Nose:
Brightly fruity up front, with pear and apple, along with a major dose of biscuity grain. The smoke is there, but it sits politely in the background. I also get some pleasant cinnamon and nutmeg, and a lightly funky note, like a wedge of English cheddar.
Palate:
More fruit, more like green apple than pear, opens the palate. Peat smoke is more prevalent on the back of the tongue, but again, in just the right dose. More grain notes evoke—dare I say it?—Christmas cookies. The texture is mouth-coating but light, and the finish is pleasant, with more of that green apple and the barest hint of oak lingering. Final Thoughts & Score: I had to laugh at the first whiff I took of this whiskey, because of course the stuff that came out of that super-cute box smells exactly like eating a slice of apple pie in front of a fire. Most of the time I reflexively turn my nose up at things like beautifully-written ad copy and heavy cardstock, but friends, I have bought into Westland’s brand wholeheartedly. I couldn’t resist this stupidly cozy whiskey’s charms if I tried. Just as promised, it does remind me, for all the world, of coming in to a crackling fire after a day spent doing wintry chores.
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Katelyn Best

Katelyn Best, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, is a regular contributor to The Whiskey Wash. She has a particular passion for exploring the unique and unconventional aspects of the whisky world.

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