Westland Distillery recently released the 10th Edition of Garryana American Single Malt, a continuation of its exploration of Quercus garryana – the rare oak indigenous to the Pacific Northwest – and the first-ever age-stated whiskey released by the distillery.
Distilled from Westland’s Signature Five Malt and Washington Pale Malts, Garryana 10th Edition was matured for 10 years in first and second fill Garryana oak casks, as well as Pedro Ximénez sherry, Rum, and ex-Bourbon casks, and is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
Westland recently made the news when thieves stole a shipment of 12,000 bottles bound for a New Jersey warehouse, among which were 3,000 bottles of Garryana 10th Edition. What was originally intended to be a release of approximately 7,608 bottles is now limited to approximately 4,608 bottles globally.
Westland Garryana 10th Edition Specifications:
- Spirit: American Whisky.
- Classification: Single Malt.
- Region: Burlington, WA.
- Age: 10 Years Old.
- ABV: 50% (100 Proof).
- Cask Type: Matured in first and second fill Garryana oak casks, as well as Pedro Ximénez sherry, Rum, and ex-Bourbon casks.
- Bottle Count: Approximately 4,608 bottles globally.
- Other: Natural Color, NCF (Non-Chill Filtered).
- Price Paid: N/A (Sample from Westland Distillery).
- MSRP: $149.99 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Light red wine.
- Nose: Aromas of mulled wine, clove, walnut fudge brownies, lemon zest, orange, and strawberry.
- Palate: Rich, oily mouthfeel. Opens with mulled wine, clove, and toasted cumin, followed by blood orange, strawberry jam, and unripe banana.
- Finish: Medium length. The walnut fudge brownie note from the nose reappears on the finish, accompanied by a hint of vanilla, followed by lemon zest, blood orange, strawberry jam, unripe banana, clove, and toasted cumin. There’s also a hint of lavender and an herbal, menthol-like note on the tail end of the finish.
Living in New England, I tend to gravitate towards two types of whiskies as the weather gets colder: heavily peated whiskies, and whiskies with a moderate to heavy wine cask influence, such as sherry. While I don’t consider Garryana 10th Edition to be a sherry bomb, the influence of the PX sherry casks, combined with the flavors contributed by the Garryana oak, makes this a wonderful wintertime whiskey that would be perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays – if you can find a bottle.
Score: B (83–86%).
