Westland Distillery is located in Seattle, Washington and prides itself on transparency in process and quality in distilling. Focusing on 100% malted whiskey, Westland Distilling has been at the forefront of the creation of a truly American single malt, being among the esteemed founders of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), a group of distillers who organized in 2016 to advocate for an official American Single Malt designation.

The requirements proposed to label a whiskey American Single Malt include the following, as stated on the ASMWC website:

• Made from 100% malted barley.
• Distilled at one distillery.
• Mashed, distilled, and matured in the U.S.
• Matured in oak casks with a capacity to hold no more than 700 liters.
• Distilled to no more than 160 Proof (80% ABV).
• Bottled at 80 Proof or more (40% ABV).

My tasting today is of Westland American Single Malt Whiskey, the flagship expression that has been 10 years in the making. The distillery is completely transparent about all mashing, fermentation, and distilling processes, which can be found on their site for the curious. This might sound simple, but I can attest that certain distilleries maintain a clear air of secrecy around such specifications, making it difficult to know just how the sauce is made. It’s a welcome change that a company takes such pride in their product and the manner in which it’s made.

It helps also that I’m located in the Pacific Northwest, and I know just how valuable and unique provenance is when utilized in such innovative craft distilling. So, no big surprise, I love this Westland American Single Malt Whiskey. Find my tasting notes below, and you can purchase from Westland Distillery here and nationwide for a SRP of $75.

Aesthetic:

The whiskey is a light caramel color.

Nose:

Smokiness of light peat and woodchip, with elements of cherry and cereal grains, and the slightest hint of banana present on the nose.

Palate:

A fresh first taste hits with nice wood smoke, not at all overpowering with heat, very balanced between sweetness and savory elements. Cherry is also present on the palate, with thyme and rhubarb also coming through, reminding me of a summer pie that walks the line between fruit and herb. The finish is soft and long, lingering and warm.

Rating: 🥃🥃🥃🥃/5

**This whiskey was provided as a review sample by those who created and released it. My reviews are my own, and I tell it how I taste it.**