Westland American Oak American Single Malt

Appearance: mine arrived in a nice container and presents a pleasant, lighter shade resembling corn or a creamy hue. Smell: This one offers a dry, leafy tobacco aroma, akin to an herbal infusion. It's enjoyable with no alcohol sting. Taste: Features dark, leafy brown tobacco notes. It's somewhat repetitive, sticking to those dark, herbal, leafy characteristics. End: The conclusion is brief, mirroring the herbal, tea-like tastes. It doesn't linger excessively but is remarkably smooth and tranquil, leaving a faint herbal/vegetal sensation. Background and thoughts: I opted to explore American single malts and noticed this particular product was being phased out, available only at a single store within driving distance. I decided to purchase it for a taste. At around $70 retail, it's a curious choice, especially considering the cost of malted barley. The use of five distinct malts and the concept of specific grains are particularly fascinating. I felt compelled to try it, especially after factoring in taxes and fees, bringing the cost down to a more accessible $44. This made it a more practical experiment for me. Would I repurchase? No, but I would explore other offerings from this distillery. They produce a solid single malt, but with only American oak barrels used, I suspect minimal cask influence, preventing it from being a perfect bottle. I appreciate it but don't absolutely love it. I'm keen to see what else this brand releases and will follow their progress. This served as a good introduction to American single malt. For $70, I anticipated greater complexity and results aligning with other opinions. My senses are sharp, and while my perception differs from others, it was a satisfying, easy-drinking pour. I generally prefer higher proofs and cask strength selections, so perhaps its subtlety is why I don't adore it. As a freshly opened bottle and initial tasting, I plan to revisit it and enjoy it further.

Grapes and oak are on the nose, with subtle leather and fresh eucalyptus notes. It's quite sweet and delicate. The palate is very good and layered, showing more depth than the aroma suggested. Oak and leather evoke a study, with plenty of dark, earthy notes complemented by a gentle sweetness. The conclusion is moderately long and pleasant, featuring more earthy tones alongside some medicinal, bittersweet notes. I thoroughly enjoyed this and eagerly anticipate future releases from this producer. Subsequent tastings revealed hints of dark chocolate or coffee on the finish, indicating it's a solid choice!

The aroma is reminiscent of soiled hosiery, yet the taste proves enjoyable. Following a biting start, notes of wood and citrus emerge. The palate is primarily sweet and sour, evoking a rye-like character, but possessing greater sugary depth and less of a floral presence. It's akin to a rye blended with an ale. This offers a revitalizing flavor profile, enhanced by the interplay of baking spices that contribute to its intrigue. While not profoundly complex, it is engaging and spirited. It may not be the pinnacle of single malt whiskies, but it provides a pleasant diversion with a substantial foundation and a commendable level of complexity.

The bottle lacks a batch or bottling date. It pours a deep gold to light copper color. Oaky baking spice and ethanol are the initial aromas, followed by youthful doughy malt, honey, and grassy/floral notes, and green apple. Drying oak spice greets the first sip, followed by vanilla, grassy/doughy malt, a flash of that green apple, and then a pleasant lingering finish of tootsie roll chocolate (likely from chocolate malt in the grist bill). It noticeably young but solid and keeps interest, though more age might be beneficial to move past that immaturity.

The aroma is quite strong and pleasing, offering notes of coffee and vanilla. The taste is velvety with a trace of coffee that transitions to oakiness. The conclusion brings a hint of smoke or spice that quickly warms before fading, leaving a coffee essence in the mouth. It's a good drink overall; the scent and initial taste are enjoyable, but the lingering coffee flavor at the end might become tiresome during extended sipping.

aroma - the malt is upfront, with pleasant notes of cinnamon, butter, and a sweet finish reminiscent of sugar cookies flavor - a bold, mellow malt on entry, followed by a subtle sweetness like sugar cookies in the middle, with touches of cinnamon, stone fruit, and even strawberry pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of this, as American single malts are slowly becoming more prominent in the whiskey world. it's a very drinkable whiskey due to its accessible flavor profile.