Westland Flagship American Single Malt

I definitely did not review this. Aroma: ginger, malt, cake, barely, oak... It's complex and confusing, and not particularly great. There's honey and tea and many strange notes, but ultimately, it's young oak and malt doing something inexplicable. It's enjoyable to smell, and I don't dislike it, but it's unremarkable. Taste: Sweet malts at first. It reminds me of honeycomb cereal mixed with alcohol and undertones of young oak. However, there's more to it. Some mint and herbal notes are present, along with definite caramel. It has a lot of unusual oak characteristics. Overall, this is complex but not very good. It's not bad either. I like it, but I'm struggling to articulate these flavors in a way that suggests they are better than they are. I'm giving it a 2.25, which is higher than my personal enjoyment, but I believe the complexity deserves recognition. If you have the chance to try it, it's an interesting American single malt option. However, I'd recommend trying the sherry or peated versions first, in my opinion, they are superior.

Sampled it straight. Moderate viscosity and a golden copper-brown hue in the glass. The aroma presents floral grains, pine sap, and rich chocolate malt. On the palate, it offers chocolate malt, pine-like scents, grain, and a minty/peppery zest. The texture is light but provides warmth (not burn), particularly as the finish develops into sweet maple and raisins, followed by pleasant tingling spices with a subtle touch of oak and smoke. The rather lengthy finish becomes clear and smooth. Adding an ice cube reduces the spice level--which is not ideal. This producer was among the first to create American single malts, and this is their main offering. It's definitely worth seeking out and experiencing, alongside other American single malts from places like Westward and Stranahans. Bourbon isn't the only whiskey made on this continent. Enjoy!

NEAT SMELL - Malted barley, grains like cereal, and honey. TASTE - Quite enjoyable and sweet, yet in equilibrium. Abundant honey and cereal grains on the taste, with a suggestion of raisin or plum in the middle. AFTERTASTE - Lingering. The aftertaste shifts to cocoa on the rear of the palate, with a whisper of peat that vanishes rather fast, only for the honey to reappear. PURCHASE? - Affirmative. I believe it is a deserving primary offering for Westland and a fine start to American Single Malts. PURCHASE AGAIN? - Unlikely. I don't consume ASM frequently enough.

This elegant American Single Malt, crafted in Seattle, Washington, spent 40 months maturing in a mix of new and previously used barrels, including ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks, and was bottled at 46% ABV. Its opening is fragrant, presenting aromas of grains, wood, fruits, florals, nuts, herbs, and spices. The palate is rich and a touch creamy, featuring flavors of marionberry compote, custard, toasted marshmallow, maple brittle, and malted milk balls. The finish is pleasantly warm and balanced, of moderate duration, with hints of oak, almond nougat, crème brûlée, and black tea.

It possesses all the characteristics of a great single malt. It reminds me of a Highland style, with a good balance of sherry and smoke. The new American oak contributes a dry, leathery, and astringent element. I find this to be the key differentiator from Scotch, and it risks overpowering the more delicate barley distillate. I believe Westland succeeded here, but I think it will improve with age.

Nose: Sweet vanilla, honey, coconut, dried fruits like raisins, figs, apricots, and dates, alongside strawberries, sultanas, cherry cola, lavender, brown sugar, pecans, a hint of smoke, brown butter cookie dough, and bubblegum. Palate: Flavors of raisins, raspberries, pineapples, lavender, white chocolate, coconut, figs, toasted almonds, prunes, dark chocolate, and smoke. Finish: Lingering notes of honey, raisins, raspberries, red apples, lavender, vanilla, and bubblegum.