The whiskey wash logo
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website
The World's Most-Visited
Whiskey Website

Trending Stories

Search
American

Whiskey Review: Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt

The Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt, in our review, is found to be a very solid dram that's worthy of the ex-sherry casks it aged in.

OVERALL RATING

  • Savannah Weinstock is a whiskey enthusiast and industry professional.
Like Conversation
Westland Sherry Wood

Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Nose:
, reminiscent of an apiary smackdab in the middle of a barley field. Overlaying these is a light layer of candied sweetness not unlike the traditional kitsch Easter ham toppings of pineapple and maraschino cherry. The ham topping element of the nose couldn’t help but make me miss some of the smokiness of peated expressions and the lack of leathery, chewiness of some tougher American bourbons. After opening entirely, the candy and sweetness on the nose give way to a darker, woodier note—finally making the sherry cask element obvious. Further, the quality and age of the sherry casks shines through almost unbelievably clearly. The first impression on the , is a barley-packed punch. After the initial barley impression wears off, black licorice and fresh anise appear, backed very lightly by spice. The integrity of the sherry cask comes into play mid-taste, making room for candied fruit notes once again. Plums in heavy syrup and stewed red currant round out the
Palate:
, as on the nose, is a barley-packed punch. After the initial barley impression wears off, black licorice and fresh anise appear, backed very lightly by spice. The integrity of the sherry cask comes into play mid-taste, making room for candied fruit notes once again. Plums in heavy syrup and stewed red currant round out the palate. The finish at first is subtle and sweet, slightly candied, but not so heavily as on the nose. Herbal enough to be refreshing, but as the finish stretches out becoming more akin to a gob of sugar syrup on the tongue. Very typically a barley-forward expression at first blush, the dram transforms with the addition of the sherry cask aging period, transforming it from basic to nuanced. Although in many ways, barley-forward mash bills make for whiskies that taste naked, Westland rose above that feeling for me. Westland Sherry Wood does not achieve American single malt perfection in my eyes, but may to many others. An incredibly solid dram, with the taste of clear intention in production. I give the Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt a score of 93. You can find a bottle of it for sale online through a few different retailers.
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.

Savannah Weinstock

Savannah Weinstock is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where her Environmental Studies thesis delved into the intersection of Scotch Whisky, sustainability, and the commodification of nature and culture. During her thesis research, she spent time living and studying in Glasgow, Scotland, visiting and interviewing distilleries across the country, with a particular focus on the Hebridean Isles. Savannah is currently immersed in the industry, gaining firsthand experience with whiskey, spirits, and cocktails on a daily basis.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

The whiskey wash logo