Green peppercorn | Dark fruits | Summer berries | Smoldering leafs | Smoked malt | Dry oak | Leather | Earthy

Berries | Dry oak | Bright white peppercorn | Dry tobacco leaf | Flakey crust | Spiced apples | Sweet & dry

Campfire | Light marshmallow | Peppercorn spice | Mellow undulating heat | Dry leather | Earthy

Westland Garryana Edition 7 is part of the company’s Outpost Range collection that showcases the provenance of the Pacific Northwest and will be limited to just 6,900 bottles. According to the company’s press release, the whiskey is “a continuation of Westland’s exploration of Quercus garryana, the rare oak indigenous to the region, Edition 7 was finished in a combination of Washington State Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon casks.” The exact cask finish breakdown given by the company is:

• Washington State red wine* (50%) (* Finished in casks that previously held Washington State Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines )
• Virgin Quercus garryana (46%)  
• 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon (4%)

Quercus garryana oak is front and center throughout the entire sip. Composed of earthy and sweet flavors, the whiskey reminds you very much of being in the woods with a smoldering campfire nearby. Peppercorn, leather, tobacco, and smoke are themes throughout, with the influence of the wine casks lending sweeter notes that try to balance things out. It’s clear that using 100% quercus garryana oak would have been too overpowering, so the addition of the wine and ex-bourbon casks is appreciated. This is a malt that’s multifaceted and geared toward those who like more of an earthy pour. While it carries a high price tag, its uniqueness adds intrigue and those who purchase a bottle won’t have anything else like it in their collection.