Seattle's Westland Distillery has introduced the fourth edition of its Colere series, a unique American single malt whiskey that shines a spotlight on non-commercial barley varieties. This release, part of Westland’s exclusive Outpost range, aims to explore the untapped potential of barley in whiskey production, moving away from the common grains typically used in the industry.
The latest addition to the Colere series is distilled from Fritz, a distinctive barley variety developed by Washington State University’s The Bread Lab. “With Colere, Westland sets out to chart the direct impact of barley on flavor, leaving behind the well-trod territory of ubiquitous grains,” explained master distiller Tyler Pederson. The Colere series strives to capture the vibrant and diverse terroir of the Pacific Northwest, an ambition reflected in the unique barley varieties it employs.
Colere Edition 4 spent 71 months, or just shy of six years, maturing predominantly in refill Westland casks. Ninety-five percent of the whiskey was aged in second fill Cooper’s Reserve and Cooper’s Select casks, with the remaining 5% in first fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This careful aging process contributes to the whiskey’s complex flavor profile. The result is a whiskey bottled at 50% ABV, with 3,084 bottles available across the United States, each priced at $150.
The tasting notes of Colere Edition 4 highlight a bouquet of dried apricot, croissant, and fresh citrus on the nose. On the palate, it offers baked apple turnovers, dried fruit trail mix, and jasmine green tea. Pederson describes the flavor journey as starting with sweet swirl pastries and transitioning to a dry, herbaceous finish. This contrasts with the previous Colere Edition 3, which had a more consistent profile centered around bread and brightness.
The Fritz barley used in this edition has an interesting lineage, derived from ancestral strains such as Apex, Alexis, Baroness, and Cellar. Developed and released in 2016 by Washington State University, Fritz is a testament to the innovation and research happening at The Bread Lab.
This release follows the eighth edition of Garyana, another whiskey in Westland’s Outpost range, and marks the first major release since co-founder and master distiller Matt Hofmann departed the brand in June. Founded in 2010, Westland Distillery has become a prominent voice in the American single malt movement. The distillery is also actively engaged in shaping industry standards, with Pederson indicating plans to push for progress on pending guidelines with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
Westland’s commitment to showcasing the Pacific Northwest's unique terroir and experimenting with diverse barley varieties continues to set it apart in the whiskey industry. The Colere series, particularly Edition 4, is a testament to the distillery's innovative spirit and dedication to quality.
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About Westland Distillery
Westland Distillery is a prominent American craft whiskey producer located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2010, Westland is known for its commitment to producing single malt American whiskey with a Pacific Northwest influence, a style that sets it apart from traditional American bourbon and rye whiskey.
One of the defining features of Westland whiskey is its emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients. The distillery uses Washington-grown barley, which is malted on-site, allowing them to control the entire production process from grain to glass. This approach is inspired by the Scottish single malt tradition and results in a distinctive and terroir-driven flavor profile for their whiskey.
Westland offers a variety of expressions, with their core range including the Westland American Oak and Westland Peated American Single Malt. The American Oak is celebrated for its balance and complexity, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate, while the Peated expression showcases the influence of peat smoke with a Pacific Northwest twist. The distillery also releases limited-edition and special cask releases that showcase the innovation and diversity of American single malt whiskey.
Westland Distillery welcomes visitors with tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to explore the production process and experience the art of American single malt whiskey-making. The distillery's dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and terroir-driven whiskey production is a central aspect of the visitor experience.
Westland's commitment to producing American single malt whiskey has earned it recognition and respect in the craft whiskey world. Its focus on quality, innovation, and local sourcing of ingredients has made it a respected and influential name in the American whiskey landscape, appealing to those who appreciate the unique character of American single malt.
