Westland describe this peated American single malt as a variation on their classic style American oak expression. Westland is a distillery found in the SoDo region of Seattle, and it has fast become one of the best-respected malt whiskey producers in the states. The distillery has a strong commitment to local produce, and takes painstaking approach to the process of whiskey-making at every point. As such, the distillery has used a range of different malts to create a more complex whiskey. The malts that make up this wonderful dram are: Peated Malt, Washington Select Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Extra Special Malt, Pale Chocolate Malt and Brown Malt. This is the same grain bill as used for the American Oak whiskey, but with the addition of peated barley. This whiskey fermented for 144 years using Belgian Brewer’s Yeast, known for creating an aromatic beer, and then distilled in pot-stills. The whiskey is matured in a mixture of new oak and first fill bourbon casks for at least 24 months, before being bottled at 46% ABV. Westland Peated is presented without chill filtration or artificial colouring.

The distillery stated that they aimed to create a whiskey in which the smoke was present, but did not dominate the flavours. They have certainly been successful in this endeavour, creating a beautifully balanced whiskey, with all the malty, custardy and fruity flavours of the American Oak edition, accompanied by a delicate wisp of peat smoke. Peated American single malt is a rare thing, and this is a first-rate example of the style.

• Product type
  Single Malt
• Distillery / brand
  Westland
• Country
  USA
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Non-chillfiltered
  Yes
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  023541