Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Westland Distillery. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Westland Distillery and the Filson outdoors clothing company decided to have a baby. Inspired by stories of the Klondike gold rush, Coldfoot American Single Malt came to be. Both the distillery and clothing company are based out of Seattle, Washington and center their products on that frontier explorer spirit.
The Westland Distillery released their first whiskey in 2014 and are among the pioneers of the trend of American Single Malts. They pride their whiskeys on the use of local barley varietals and fresh Pacific Northwest sourced water. Thus far, Westland has created several offerings including their flagship single malt aged in American oak, a peated, a Sherry wood finish, as well as special releases.
Now, the Filson clothing company. In 1897, the company began in Alaska to primarily supply those in search of gold in the bitter Northern cold. Their goods included wool goods, moccasins, boots, sleeping bags and pretty much anything one may need to survive one’s endeavors. Currently based in Seattle, the company has thus expanded upon the same philosophy to products of a daily use in the great outdoors.
Coldfoot is the name of a historical mining camp in Northern Alaska as a spot for locals to drink, gamble, and find a hot meal. It wasn’t always known as Coldfoot, but began with the name Slate Creek and was established in 1898. It is said that close to 2000 prospectors and purveyors went up North to the camp in order to make their fortunes, but unfortunately, the climate proved to be less than hospitable and some had to retreat back South. Those that opted to leave were said to have “cold feet” and thus the name of the camp became Coldfoot.
“Westland and Filson are cut from the same cloth,” said Matt Hofmann, Co-Founder and Master Distiller at Westland, at the time it was released. “Both brands make real things in time-honored ways with an integrity that comes from understanding the essence of the Pacific Northwest at an elemental level. We’ve been long-time friends and partners and it’s great to finally collaborate to create something as exciting as Coldfoot.”
Tasting Notes: Westland Coldfoot American Single Malt
Vital Stats: 100 proof, 50% ABV. Incorporates five different Washington malted barleys, peated, and aged for 60 months. Oak finishes of first use ex-Bourbon barrel, new American oak, and Oloroso Sherry butts. 978 750ml bottles produced and available for sale at $99.99 per bottle.
Appearance: A pale yellow, reminding one of a green tea.
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Nose: Bright nose of pear, raisin, and a touch of peat. It’s quite pleasant and complex. With the addition of a few drops of water, I noted accentuated notes of the fruity elements with a bit of leather.
Palate: Green apple and peat dominate the palate up front, but balanced. It has a bit of a medium finish of a nutty cacao and spice.
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