Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. 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 in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Westland Distillery, out of Seattle, Washington, not too long ago, debuted its first nationally available single malt whiskey to showcase American peated malt. With the release of Solum Edition 1 American Single Malt, the Pacific Northwest grown peat accentuates a “totally different flavor profile,” as Westland co-founder Matt Hoffman states, while “botanicals like Labrador Tea, an aromatic shrub, bring unique qualities to our regional peat.”
One may not automatically think of the Pacific Northwest as a go-to whiskey producing area, but the truth is that our neck of the woods is steadily growing in the distillation of whiskey. Westland Distillery utilizes lush PNW vegetation and vast farmland to harvest the peat, pulled from a bog two hours out of Seattle, departing from traditional Scottish peat harvesting methods.
The Solum Edition 1 American Single Malt Whiskey is one of three releases under the Outpost Range collection, a series that explores “a central raw ingredient in single malt whiskey with each name inspired by terroir.” The word “solum” is Latin for “soil,” and with this first American single malt showcase, master distiller Hofmann took the bold step to completely embrace the terroir of the PNW and abandon the tradition of sourcing peat from Scotland. The grains were sourced from Washington’s Skagit Valley, and the whiskey is distilled using 100% malted barley and utilize Cooper’s Reserve New American Oak, Cooper’s Select New American Oak, and First Fill Ex-Bourbon casks.
Westland Distillery released only 4,044 bottles of Solum Edition 1 American Single Malt Whiskey, a small batch for sure. Considering this being the first release of its kind, I imagine the curiosity of the truly American single malt will see the bottles quickly sold. I feel there is a distinct difference in the flavor profile between this and traditional Scottish peated whisky, one that I would like to attribute to the inherently unique Pacific Northwest terroir.
Tasting Notes: Westland Solum Edition 1 American Single Malt
Vital Stats: 50% ABV (100 Proof). Grain Bill is Skagit Valley Malting Peated Malt. Fermented 96-144 hours. 4,044 bottles released globally. SRP $149.99.
Appearance: Light, clean yellow with quick legs.
Nose: Bright and fresh with notes of citrus, sweet sugarcane, hickory, and leather.
Trending Stories
Palate: Strong and sweet herbaceous notes early on, with streaks of marshmallow, anise, licorice, and peach. A long finish and clean, smooth mouthfeel made this whiskey stand up and speak to me.
Latest News