Seattle's Westland Distillery has once again made waves in the world of American single malt whiskey with the unveiling of the eighth edition of Garryana. This unique single malt is aged to perfection, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of the distillery to create a whiskey like no other. This is coming on the heels of the 7th edition of Garryana.
Garryana is named after the Quercus Garryana, a native oak species found in the Seattle region, and the use of this indigenous wood in the aging process sets this whiskey apart. Westland Distillery, renowned for its American single malt whiskeys, has blended an exquisite combination of malt varieties to create this exceptional spirit. The Garryana American Single Malt is crafted from a blend of Washington Select Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Extra Special Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt, Brown Malt, and Golden Promise Malt. This harmonious mix of malt varieties lays the foundation for a unique and complex flavor profile.
What truly distinguishes this edition of Garryana is the cask selection. The whiskey undergoes a minimum aging of four years, during which it matures in an intriguing combination of cask types. The primary aging process takes place in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which constitute a significant portion of the aging process at 45%. These PX sherry casks are known for their full maturation of 500-liter Butts for 6-8 years, imparting an atypical floral backdrop to the whiskey. This is a continuation of a theme established in previous editions of Garryana, highlighting the iterative and exploratory approach of Westland Distillery.
In addition to the Pedro Ximénez casks, the Garryana 8 also spends time aging in Virgin Garryana Oak casks, contributing to 38% of the aging process. This indigenous oak species infuses the whiskey with a unique character and a sense of terroir, reflecting the Seattle region's distinct environment. To further enhance the flavor complexity, a smaller proportion of the whiskey matures in Washington State red wine casks (12%) and first-fill ex-bourbon casks (5%).
The end result is a finely crafted whiskey, bottled at a robust 100 proof, providing a powerful and flavorful experience for whiskey enthusiasts. Westland Distillery has limited the release to just 7,380 bottles, ensuring that this edition remains a cherished and rare find for those who appreciate exceptional whiskey.
Whiskey enthusiasts across the United States will have the opportunity to obtain a bottle of this fine spirit, as it will be available at select whiskey retailers and can also be purchased online through Westland's website. The suggested retail price for the Garryana 8 is $149.99 per 700-milliliter bottle, making it an accessible luxury for those looking to savor its unique flavors.
The tasting notes for the eighth edition of Westland Garryana American Single Malt are as intriguing as its aging process. On the nose, expect to be greeted with notes of new leather, brown sugar butter, dried rose, and plum. These scents create an enticing and complex bouquet, setting the stage for the palate. On the palate, you'll discover flavors reminiscent of brown bread, almond croissant, and semi-sweet chocolate, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness.
In conclusion, Westland Distillery's Garryana 8 is a remarkable testament to the artistry and innovation that the American single malt whiskey industry can offer. With its unique cask selection, harmonious blend of malt varieties, and exquisite flavor profile, this whiskey is sure to delight the palates of connoisseurs and collectors alike. As it becomes available at retailers and through Westland's website, whiskey enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to experience the magic of Garryana 8 for themselves, a true gem in the world of American single malt whiskey.
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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.
