Founded in 2010 in Seattle, Washington, Westland Whiskey has long been known as the leader in American single malt. Because the burgeoning category is so new, by its very nature and existence, Westland has stood as one of the more innovative distilleries in the game. That’s whether by showing full transparency in ingredients and production methodologies in their flagship Westland American Single Malt or in exploring the provenance of the Pacific Northwest through their Outpost Range, working with new grains, local oak, and even peat in producing their iconic whiskey. The Cask Exploration Series might be Westland Whiskey’s most exciting innovation yet.
While the distillery’s previous maturation techniques have looked at virgin Quercus garryana, the Pacific Northwest’s native oak, this new series explores the vast possibilities of cask finishing still available. And yet, with this series, Westland Whiskey still stays very much committed to their home region.
By integrating casks from renowned regional craft brewers and winemaking estates, Westland is able to uniquely express the Pacific Northwest’s distinctive terroir and rich cultural tapestry. You might call this series a look at the region’s cultural terroir.
Beer Cask Finish celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s long tradition of craft brewing, though neither one brewery nor one style is focused on. Instead, a series of saison, stout, scotch ale, and doppelbock barrels, from acclaimed breweries such as Black Raven Brewing Co., Fremont Brewing, Holy Mountain Brewing Co., and others, are integrated together. The result is a bright and crisp whiskey with aromas of dried peaches, honeydew melon, eggnog cake, and cocoa powder with a malt-forward palate of vanilla pastry cream, caramel sauce, and lavender green tea. It has already been awarded 96 points from the NY International Spirits Competition.
Meanwhile, Wine Cask Finish brings forward the Pacific Northwest’s rich winemaking history, again by integrating casks of multiple styles from multiple wineries; notably, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Washington Red Blend. The resulting whiskey balances intricate fruity notes of allspice, raspberry reduction, chocolate wafer, and dried rose with a rich and robust palate of chocolate raspberry turnover, Earl Grey tea, and dried strawberry. It too received high marks, with 95 points from the NY International Spirits Competition.
Both Beer Cask Finish and Wine Cask Finish will join Westland Whiskey’s core lineup in September of 2024. While Westland Whiskey’s commitment to exploration, innovation, and the terroir of the Pacific Northwest will continue on indefinitely.
Learn more here.
