Westland Whiskey Unveils 9th Edition of Garryana American Single Malt — With One Major Difference

Westland Whiskey unveiled the ninth edition of its American Single Malt matured in Garyanna Oak. (Photo: Westland Whiskey)

Westland Whiskey announced on Monday that the brand was releasing its ninth edition of Garryana American Single Malt, which has a 50% ABV and a suggested retail price of $149.99. This year, the whiskey is aged in Garryanna casks, ex-bourbon casks and casks that previously held Oloroso sherry.

Typically, Westland’s Garryana American Single Malt is aged in casks that once held Pedro Ximenez Sherry, marking a deviation from the whiskey brand’s standard maturation process. Pedro Ximenez is a sweeter sherry that is often thicker, whereas Oloroso sherry has nutty and oxidative qualities and is more savory.

“Garryana Edition 9 contrasts and comments on its predecessor,” Westland’s Master Blender Shane Armstrong said in a statement. “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 and 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.”

The brand’s Garryanna single malt expressions are liquid celebrations of the species of oak called Quercus garryana, which is indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Westland’s Garryanna American Single Malt was the inaugural expression within the brand’s Outpost Range. The Outpost Range features all the core ingredients that make up American single malts, including barley, peat and oak.

For the latest expression of Westland’s Garryana American Single Malt, just 6,600 barrels exist. The whisky was aged for 60 months in a mixture of Virgin Garryana Oak casks, first fill ex-bourbon casks, and first fill ex-Oloroso butts. The whiskey was distilled from a mashbill composed of Select Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Extra Special Malt, Chocolate Malt and Brown Malt.

In addition to the latest release, Westland shared in a news release that it has been pushing for the finalization of the category of American Single Malt from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The brand claimed the final regulations are supposed to be announced in the fall.

Westland Garryana Edition 9 Tasting Notes, via the Brand

Aroma: Biscuits with mocha and almond cream. Puffs of burnt marshmallow.

Palate: Cinnamon stick, a faint whiff of peppermint and ground clove. Bread pudding throughout.