American Single Malt Whiskey
46% ABV
$70
Color:
Golden amber
Smell:
Subtle, with lots of complex layers. My palate is admittedly not the most sophisticated at this stage in my whiskey drinking, but the first thing I thought of was plums. It's delicate and almost savory dessert wine-ish, like a port. I also get a very gentle sweetness and a leather component. All that written, it's very mild and subdued on the nose.
Taste:
Nothing really jumping out in terms of major flavors. There's a general pleasing breadiness at first, as well as that same gentle sweetness hinted at on the nose. Definitely a nice burn in the back of the mouth as I hold it there, looking for flavors. Smooth going down, with an aftertaste that is kind of haunting me...can't place it. Maybe port with plum sauce? Again, very reminiscent of the initial whiff, but not very long-lasting.Overall:
This is a very intriguing whiskey to me, and I think it's very nice. Whereas big-time bourbons and really peaty scotches punch you in the face with flavors, this is all nuance and subtlety. That said, I think that cuts both ways: if you're paying $70 for a bottle, you're probably looking for some serious flavors. This is absolutely worth trying, and very singular to my palate from anything else I've tried in whiskey. It's probably closest to Irish whiskey in its smooth mellowness, but even there, distinct enough to merit a go. Recommended, but bring your wallet.
What Others Have Said:
Clay Risen at The Mash Notes has a great write-up on a tasting night that involved (among others) Westland:
- "And the result is good. Great, even. Several months ago, when they were just hitting the shelves, someone sent me a bottle of their flagship expression in the mail. I’ll be straight-up honest and say that this is one of the only bottles of “craft” whiskey that I have emptied, on my own, and in relatively short time. It was that good. I’d put it alongside McCarthy’s and St. George for the best American single malt."
- "On the nose, Westland American Single Malt Whiskey is full of fruit and grain. Cherries, sweet malts, mild vanilla and a touch of almonds. Take a sip, and the rich whiskey grips your palate. Initial flavors include a pronounced chocolate note, plus some coffee, oaky caramel and more cherry. It’s very warm and spicy, but not overly alcoholic. On the finish, things moved toward fruit (orange, mostly) and cardamom, and somewhere below the surface lurked a hint of sweet tobacco leaves."
- "It’s a new style to the category of American Single Malt. This is one for the Scotch lovers of the world who want something unique and wish to dabble in American hooch. This is one for American Whiskey lovers that wish to dabble in spirits closer to the Scotch category. Really well done and, dare I say, an every day drinker!"
