3

Score: 94

Westland Garryana (No. 8)

ABV: 50% Price: $150 Style: American Single Malt Origin: Washington

Westland’s Garryana series explores Quercus garryana, an oak species native to the Pacific Northwest— and its influence on whiskey’s flavor. This is Seattle, Washington-based Westland’s eighth Garryana release, and it just keeps getting more graceful. The oak influence is exquisite, coaxing out notes of charcoal grill, Krispy Kreme doughnut, Honey Nut Cheerios, and a touch of salinity on the nose. A beautifully textured palate melds smoke and sweetness in superb fashion, expressing strawberry jam, burnt sugar, campfire smoke, and chocolate-raspberry Ghirardelli square. Toasted marshmallows, honey, and cinnamon sweetness linger on and on throughout the finish, leaving you eager for another sip. —Julia Higgins