Westland Distillery focuses on making a whiskey which highlights the grain instead of the wood, which I wrote about in my introductory post about the distillery. I feel this philosophy is best highlighted in their Westland Peated American Single Malt Whiskey.
The malt is peated at 55 parts per million, which are Ardbeggian levels. This is fermented and distilled, but then combined with spirit made from their five grain mash bill, giving their Peated Whiskey a solid dose of smoke, but also ensuring it will never dominate.
Westland Peated American Single Malt Whiskey has matured for a minimum of 24 months in First Fill Bourbon casks and New American Oak casks.
Westland Peated American Single Malt Whiskey (46%, OB)
Nose: Wow, this is reminiscent of a more delicate Lagavulin 8 Year Old, which I find a big, big compliment. Soft fruity notes like banana and peaches, but also vanilla and marzipan, accompanied by a lovely brine-y quality. The smoke is very delicate. Really, really good.
Taste: Lovely, raw, naked spirit. Subtle fruits and soft peat. Colour me impressed. Banana is again at the forefront, but now more candy-esque. Some lemon rasp and oranges too. At bit of ash and some salt even. Balanced.
Finish: Lemon and ashes. Long.
Rating: 87
Impressive… I mean, what more can you say of an ultra young whiskey that performs like this?
