Food & Drink

Review: Westland Outpost Range Garryana 6|1 (2021)

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In 2020 we talked about how Seattle’s Westland is evolving its particular version whiskeys, increasing its Outpost Vary to cowl (ultimately) three totally different expressions. On the core of those is Garryana, now in its sixth version, which has lengthy been an exploration of Quercus garryana, the uncommon oak indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. (The second version of Colere might be launched in 2022; the primary version of Solum is predicted to reach in 2023.)

This 12 months has some adjustments in retailer, so pay attention up: It’s a 41 month outdated single malt, with the next cask sorts represented:

  • 2nd fill ex-Pedro Ximénez butt (65%)
  • virgin Quercus garryana (25%)
  • 1st fill ex-Calvados (5%)
  • 1st fill ex-American grape brandy (2%)
  • 1st fill ex-Washington apple brandy (3%)

That each one sounds kinda loopy — and a big departure from prior bottlings — however let’s not choose but.

“Garry Oak continues to be an exploration,” says Westland Grasp Blender Shane Armstrong. “Every launch builds on ideas discovered from previous iterations. The Brandy casks give a vivid filter to the oak’s savory spice, whereas refill PX fills the seams with darker fruits. Each affect with out obstructing the Garry Oak signature.”

Can 65% of the whiskey growing older in PX casks not get in the way in which of somewhat garryana oak? Let’s discover out.

Effectively, it certain does style like Pedro Ximenez sherry. The nostril of figs, prunes, and spiced raisins are quick, tempered by sultry notes of tar and licorice. The underlying malt (and the influence of the virgin oak) is all however obscured.  The palate has a lot of the identical character at first — racy, brooding, and once more massive with spiced fig and dried fruit notes. The oak once more feels fairly masked, although with time in glass some extra uncooked, virtually lumberyard components come to the floor. It’s hardly overpowering, although, the end nonetheless dominated by raisiny spice notes, a boldly winey apple cider character (the Calvados barrel maybe coming into focus), and lingering sweet-and-sour character.

I prefer it simply positive, although followers of the sequence ought to perceive this has nearly no connection to earlier editions within the Garryana vary. This one’s an entire new deal.

100 proof. 5922 bottles produced.

B+ / $150 / westlanddistillery.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Westland Outpost Vary Garryana 6|1 (2021)

$150

Ranking


8.5/10

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