Westland Cask #397 for LMdW

Westland was only founded in 2010 in Seattle, Washington, on the west coast of the country (hence the name). They make only single malt and even use Belgian yeast. Their core range exists of the American Oak, Sherry Wood and Peated and are available in our neck of the woods since 2016. Importer La Maison du Whisky in France, got hold of this single cask which they bottle at cask strength for their 60th Anniversary.

The nose is sweet on plums and raisins, but at the same time quite atypical with curry ketchup, furniture polish and reminds me somehow of the Far East. But also a bit of… Springbank…? It has a bit of chalk and jute in the background as well as a big scent of cow stable. And it works! This is a wonderful nose that makes you totally forget about the young age of this whisky.

On the palate, at first, it’s all about oak. Lots of spices with again that twist that takes me to the Far East. But there is also something in there that I cannot quite put the finger on. I’d describe it as putty with some tobacco and peat in the mix. Weird and I am not yet convinced this is not an off-note. Some oranges add a sweet and sour touch. Loads of woodsmoke all of a sudden.

The finish is very long and spicy… and no longer able to hide this malts young age.

What a fun experience! Absolutely atypical American single malt (is there any other kind?).