Strawberry | Apple | Raspberry | Walnut | Fudge | Pale malt | Orange peel | Smoke

Cocoa | Clove | Charred oak | Graham cracker | Walnut | Earthy undertone

Chocolate | Marshmallow | Allspice | Blood orange | Lingering chocolate malt

Westland Distillery is based in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the longest-running American-made single malt distilleries, having opened their doors in 2010. Their single malts tend to be more challenging than those of their other Northwestern peer, Westland Distillery, instead opting for a more Scottish-style influence while adding their distinct fingerprint in the process.

Westland Garryana 10th Edition is part of the company’s Outpost Range Collection, which features three limited-edition expressions that are released annually - Garryana, Colere, and Solum. Garryana will be limited to approximately 4,608 bottles, due to an additional 3,000 bottles being stolen en route to New Jersey.

Not only does this year’s release mark the 10th anniversary of the brand, but it also features a 10 year age statement.  It features a blend of Westland Signature Five Malt and Washington pale malt in its mashbill, was aged in first and second-fill Garry oak barrels, and “supported” with additional single malt that was finished in Pedro Ximenez, rum, and ex-bourbon barrels. Garryana releases are anything but simple.

The whiskey opens with strong scents of red fruit, including strawberry and raspberry, before transitioning to a rich mix of fudge and walnut, and ending on pale malt and a hint of orange peel. The palate is no less complex, with notes of cocoa, clove, charred oak, graham cracker, and walnut creating a strong earthy undertone that the brand is known for. The whiskey finishes with an almost hot chocolate-like taste, reminiscent of marshmallows, with allspice and blood orange adding some additional depth to the flavor profile. If that wasn’t enough, there is a lingering chocolate malt aftertaste.

American single malts are a challenging pour for many American whiskey drinkers, and Westland Garryana releases are never shy from being what they are. They are unique, bold pours that are well-crafted with a wide range of flavors anchored by their malt foundation and showcase the Pacific Northwest region well. Although the flavors are bold, they are well-integrated and require closer inspection to reveal all their intricacies. With that in mind, Westland Garryana remains a demanding and complex pour, and a truly one-of-a-kind American single malt.