Westland Garryana 2017 Edition 2.1

Nose - (without water) Savory sweetness, sweet candied ginger spice, light caramel, bananas, sweet nuts. (with water) Minimal change, slightly more muted. Taste - (without water) Ginger/chili spice/tingle, sweet savory meaty sweetness, sweet nuts, bananas, toasted barley, hints of chocolate, slightly thin. (with water) Less spice, more metallic, more bitter nut skins, odd savory sweet jerky. Finish - (without water) Lingering white pepper tingle, sweet caramel, chocolate, banana walnut bread, faint metallic notes. (with water) Reduced tingle, more metallic finish, banana walnut chocolate bread. Score - 73/100 Final Thoughts - An intriguing spirit, featuring what I perceive as meaty notes from the Garry oak combined with the sweet, youthful malt characteristic of Westland. Having experienced the distillery tour, I've tasted their toasted barley, which is evident here. While unique, the flavor combinations and metallic finish are not to my preference. Would I drink it if offered? - No Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No

Westland Garryana 2|1 offers remarkable depth, complexity, and precision, generating excitement for Westland Distillery's future. The nose is exceptionally inviting, with rich vanilla, honey, caramel, oak, sawdust, pie crust, cherry, and a subtle hint of papaya, all centered around a creamy core. The mouthfeel is full-bodied, and the description of stewed meats is apt, hinting at iron and spicy bourbon with black pepper. The finish is surprisingly long-lasting for a younger dram, with the heat persisting for several minutes as the final notes fade. Garryana makes a bold entrance and exit. Westland's products are often pricey, but this one hovers between completely justified and out of reach, excelling in its presentation. It knows its identity and requires no apologies; none are needed. (FWF Share #50 - 50th Dramiversary) Purchased: 08/04/19 Opened: Finished

Sampling this at the distillery in Seattle (a worthwhile visit, by the way) was an experience. It's noteworthy that this was matured in Garryana oak, a type of wood native to Washington and Oregon which is legally protected from being cut. Consequently, the barrels must be crafted from fallen trees. Garryana trees constitute less than 4% of Pacific Northwest trees and grow in only a small area of Washington and Oregon. This wood imparts a very strong, dominant flavor, necessitating its blending with other whiskeys aged in new or used bourbon barrels. The aroma is intensely vanilla, far stronger than typical bourbon. The taste is intricate and profound, with a thick, syrupy texture. It's exceptionally well-made and strongly recommended.

Smooth aromas of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Deliciously creamy toffee flavors. It bears some resemblance to the Macallan Edition 2, and might even be slightly better. This is the first Westland malt I've truly appreciated, and it's much improved from last year's release. This distillery shows real potential!

Barely qualifies for a 4-star rating. A classic single malt aroma. The garryanna oak imparts an almost bourbon-like sweetness that masks the slight tartness on the palate. A satisfying dram that is nearly exceptional.

The taste is intricate, with a noticeable shift from the beginning to the finish, presenting three distinct oak sensations on the palate.