Westland Garryana 2019 Edition 4.1

This is following a previous bottling, so it has an initial disadvantage and also presents with some clove on the aroma. The aroma is comparatively sweeter and exhibits more sherry influence. Of course, malt whiskey is typically sherried when contrasted with bourbon. The aroma has a bit of additional malt whiskey character that leans toward rum. It smells like inexpensive scotch, but surely the taste won't be that bad? The taste is immediately much more bitter and intricate than the aroma suggested. A strong bitterness emerges, along with a touch of licorice. It's sweet with the roundness of malt whiskey, but it's balanced so the malt doesn't dominate. The sherry flavor certainly comes through with bright and sweet red fruit playing a significant part. This has a few components and is easy to consume. There's some nuttiness within the richness that adds an oily quality, though it's not solely almond. There's some dryness that keeps things in check, though the sweetness is still quite noticeable. It's quite enjoyable and good if you appreciate malt whiskey. The intricacy seems somewhat improved compared to a certain Japanese blend with the various notes becoming more apparent. The smoke is still very present and it tastes much older than its actual age. The smoke is integrated well with the flavor and the profile has pleasing intricacy. It's certainly on the rich and savory side for a malt whiskey, but it's still sweet and fruity when compared to bourbon. There's a good amount happening that leaves me thinking, and apart from the pronounced sherry flavor (which I'm confident is due to just tasting a specific bourbon), there's nothing unpleasant. Even the potentially off-putting sherry is a significant improvement over the sherry flavors found in cheaper malt whiskeys that are unappealing. It has a slight touch of the malty harshness found in a particular American single malt, but not excessively so. The bitter herbal notes appear, giving it more character without being overpowering. There's a fair bit occurring here, but it's often subtle. If this is priced similarly to a certain Japanese blend, choose this one instead. Some intriguing salty and briny notes that I appreciate come through. It has some peculiar tequila-like notes, but they are far from dominant. There's some vanilla that lends a hint of cheapness to the flavor, but it also fits in well. This is a robust, intricate, and tasty single malt whiskey. It's a bit bold (like a certain Japanese blend), but it has some depth. The balance can be slightly uneven, but there are some nice core flavors that make it worthwhile. Really, the comparison with a certain Japanese blend is unavoidable. There are some hints of leather that remind me of a specific GlenDronach expression, but that's a more subtle connection. The distillery is accurate about the savory notes for a single malt, but there's a lot going on, and while brine and mint are factors, they are far from leading. The sherry is pervasive and maintains the sweetness. There's something more akin to caramel too that doesn't overwhelm. It's rich and has nice balance, but it's also subtle and has some rough edges. It's an example of excellence among American Single Malts, but among whiskeys in general, it is far from flawless. It's interesting and reasonably well-balanced. Upon tasting a certain Japanese blend 20 minutes later, this has significantly more sherry and less smoke. The Japanese blend has more of an Islay character, though it isn't necessarily more intricate. It also has more sherry and less oak than a specific Johnnie Walker expression, but the outcome isn't as favorable. The sherry is comparable to that of a specific GlenDronach expression, but it lacks the leather to balance it out (and perhaps it isn't as potent). This ultimately doesn't measure up to any of those (though it is decent). The sherry ultimately tastes a little inexpensive though the balance surpasses that of a specific Westward expression and this has greater intricacy. This is quite good, but not exceptional. To be clear though, this is substantially better than generic bottlings of sherried scotch. Inexpensive sherried scotch doesn't come close to this.

A self-indulgent treat after dinner at a Las Vegas trade show. Sampled neat in a rocks glass. The initial aroma was unremarkable. Considering the high cost here in Vegas, I expected more. The nose offered only the faintest hint of coffee, honey, and a subtle floral note – very subdued. It brought Japanese spirits to mind. The palate was characterized by subtlety. There was an almost coffee bean flavor, a touch of white cacao, very light sweetness in the background, perhaps a grassy note, and traces of honey. It possessed an ethereal quality, revealing more complexity the longer I explored it. The finish was somewhat disappointing, appearing watery and fading quickly. It began with a wonderfully light promise of subtle complexity but failed to deliver. I was informed this bottle costs $150, and a glass is $50. It's not worth it. I'd strongly advise against it based on value alone. It's actually a pleasant spirit, and I believe it would be competitive at around $50 a bottle! My rating system is straightforward: 1 is undrinkable and 5 is a perfect representation. This is a good spirit, but significantly overpriced. The producers seem overly proud when they should perhaps focus on further refinement, especially given the price point. I must deduct half a point solely for the exorbitant pricing. This will not be a regular purchase for my collection.

Pleasing aroma, flavors, and finish. It's rich yet well-balanced. The nose presents nice dark fruit and spices, while the palate offers baking spices and a subtle malty sweetness. The finish is smooth and clean. Adding a few drops of water enhances the aroma, but doesn't reveal any surprises. Quite enjoyable!

A robust, flavor-intense bottling. I anticipated less harmony given prior feedback. The aroma is full of dark fruits, malt, and subtle wood. On the palate, I experienced abundant plums, apricot, cherry, and prunes with hints of anise and fennel. The finish is long and powerful.

Another disappointing Westland release. Lacks complexity with a faint PX characteristic. The finish is excessively dry. It would be overpriced even at $30. It's like an amateur imitation of Rabbit Hole PX Cask. Just purchase that one instead.

Too harsh for my preference. After the initial intensity subsides, some flavors come through. However, the upfront heat and its lasting presence make it unenjoyable.