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.
Seattle, Washington-based Westland Distillery, in its role as one of America’s more prominent American single malt whiskey producers, has among its various offerings its Outpost Range. A specialized focus of three annual, limited edition expressions that explore what’s described as “Pacific Northwest Provenance,” these bottlings bring to life the considerations of Pacific Northwest oak (Garryana), barley (Colere) and peat (Solum) on development of unique variants of this distillery’s whiskeys.
The whiskey I’m reviewing here, Westland Garryana, is the oldest of these annual releases, now being on its 8th edition. It explores the influence Quercus garryana, an oak type native to the Pacific Northwest, has on the aging of whiskey in barrels made from it. In the back story of Garryana, one finds this to be a pretty rare oak type that these days exists in only about five percent of its former native habitat. Westland, in trying to source it, had to ultimately build its own supply chain from scratch, relying on a network of forestry experts, mills and coopers to have enough wood to work with.
Given the relative supply considerations of this oak type, use of it from one release to another over the years has waxed and waned. Going back into the history of Westland and its relationship with what’s also known as Oregon oak, one find the distillery first began filling casks made from it back in 2011. In the third release back in 2018, for example, limited supplies forced the ratios of full-term matured Garry oak casks to traditional oak casks to vary more greatly then, say, the fifth edition from 2020 that had a higher percentage of Garry Oak casks – 36% Virgin Quercus garryana with 64% 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Quercus alba – in the blend than any previous edition.
Having tried a handful of 100 percent Garryana oak bottlings over the years myself, I can say with first hand experience the overall palate gets blown out. Not in a bad way, mind you, but definitely something most casual whiskey drinkers would not acclimate well to. It thus make sense, in addition to wood shortages, that over the years Westland has varied the ratios of cask types used alongside Garryana to temper its fierce spirit.
For this 8th edition the cask mix type is as follows: Virgin Quercus garryana (38%), Pedro Ximenez Butt (45%), Washington State red wine (12% – previously held Washington State Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) and First Fill ex-Bourbon (5%). Alongside this, Westland chose a six malt grain mash bill for this release, aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 50% ABV.
Given the mix of casks types, Westland notes drinkers should expect “the savory notes of Garryana oak” tempered by floral and rounded considerations courtesy of the the wine cask finishes.
Tasting Notes: Westland Garryana American Single Malt 8th Edition
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Vital Stats: cask mix of Virgin Quercus garryana (38%), Pedro Ximenez Butt (45%), Washington State red wine (12% – previously held Washington State Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) and First Fill ex-Bourbon (5%); 6 malt grain mash bill (Golden Promise Malt, Washington Select Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Extra Special Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Brown Malt); aged at least 4 years; 7,380 bottles; 50% ABV; $149.99 MSRP.
Appearance: This shows nicely in glass with a light, orange brown hue, reminiscent of a whiskey with some age on it but still some to go as well. Legs in glass are thin and clingy, showcasing a liquid ready just old enough to make friends with.
Nose: Wow is the very first word for this one! Chocolate, marmalade, brown sugar, spice, baking bread. It’s like someone opened the door to the Willy Wonka factory during production time as I was walking by.
Palate: This. drinks. beautifully. The punch of the Garryana is there, but it is managed oh so well by the accompanying cask types. Across the tongue dance flavors of Oregon oak spice (yes I think that’s a distinct thing), chocolate, marzipan, red wine considerations, butterscotch, marshmallow and nougat.
The finish is moderate on the palate, holding for a bit before gently fading off. Nothing overly complex here – just a nice end to a stellar whiskey.
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