Westland Whiskey has announced the ninth edition of their Garryana American Single Malt.
Released annually, the Garryana expressions are meant to showcas the provenance of the Pacific Northwest through the use of Quercus garryana, an oak indigenous to the region.
Garryana is also the founding expression of Westland’s Outpost Range, which intends to celebrate the central ingredients that comprise single malt whiskey: barley, peat and oak.
This newest version will first be available for purchase exclusively at the Seattle distillery on Saturday, Nov. 9. Beginning Monday, Nov. 11, Garryana Edition 9 is available via Westland’s online shop, and then arrives at retailers nationwide beginning Friday, Nov. 15.
Garryana Edition 9 builds on the eighth edition by continuing to explore the spice-driven characteristics of Garryana casks, balanced with Spanish Sherry, for the first time introducing Oloroso casks in contrast with PX casks in past editions.
The result is a nose of burnt marshmallow, biscuit, mocha and almond cream, the distillery reports, before a palate of ground clove, cinnamon stick, faint peppermint and bread pudding.
“Garryana Edition 9 contrasts and comments on its predecessor,” says Shane Armstrong, Westland’s master blender. “Full-term Oloroso butts were used and draw an entirely different portrait than the PX of past versions. The dry and oxidized style of Oloroso shows up in a nuanced savory aspect, providing an accentuating conduit for Garry Oak’s direct current. This combination is a first for us and based on how this shaped up — it won’t be the last.”
A total of 6,600 bottles, bottled at 100 proof, will roll out for the suggested retail price of $149.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
Westland’s Outpost Range of American Single Malt Whiskeys features three limited-edition expressions that release annually — Garryana, Colere and Solum.
As a pioneer of the category and a founding member of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, Westland has pushed for the final ratification of the category from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which is expected to be announced this fall.