🥃 Westland Peated American Single Malt – A Smoky Pioneer in the U.S. Whiskey Scene (46–62% ABV)
If you’re a fan of smoky single malts and want to experience a new-world take on tradition, Westland Peated American Single Malt should be on your radar. Produced in Seattle, Washington, this whiskey merges Pacific Northwest ingenuity with time-honored Scotch-making techniques, creating a spirit that’s both familiar and refreshingly distinct.
Whether you’re just beginning your peat journey or you’re a seasoned smoke lover, Westland offers something to match your palate. Let’s break down the three key expressions—each with its own bold identity and layered profile.
🌫️ 1. Standard Peated Release – 46% ABV (92 Proof)
💡 The Core of the Lineup
The standard Westland Peated American Single Malt is balanced, approachable, and richly flavorful. It combines phenolic peat smoke with a honeyed sweetness, mellowing out the rugged edge you often get from heavily peated Scotch.
👃 Tasting Notes:
Nose: Earthy smoke, campfire wood, sweet malt, and subtle orchard fruits
Palate: A smooth blend of toasted oak, vanilla bean, and just a touch of caramelized sugar
Finish: Lingering and satisfying with whispers of baking spice and peat embers
This expression is perfect for whiskey drinkers who enjoy a softer peat character paired with the signature roundness of American single malt.
🔥 2. Cask Strength Peated – 55–62% ABV (110–124 Proof)
⚡ The Powerhouse of the Family
For those who crave big flavors and uncut intensity, the Cask Strength Peated is a must-try. Bottled straight from the barrel, this expression turns the dial up on everything—from smoke and spice to caramel and oak.
👃 Tasting Notes:
Nose: Dense wood smoke, charcoal, rich molasses, and hints of dark cocoa
Palate: Bold and oily with flavors of burnt sugar, smoked meats, espresso, and spice-laden oak
Finish: Deep, warm, and incredibly complex—perfect for slow sipping
This high-proof expression rewards the patient drinker with layers of flavor that unfold over time. Add a few drops of water to open it up, or enjoy it neat for the full experience.
🍷 3. Sherry Cask Finish – ~46% ABV (92 Proof)
🍇 The Elegant Side of Smoke
The Sherry Cask Finish takes the peated malt you love and introduces sweet, fruity richness from aging in ex-sherry barrels. This adds depth and sophistication without overpowering the peat.
👃 Tasting Notes:
Nose: Smoked raisins, fig jam, candied orange peel, and toffee
Palate: Peat intermingles with dried fruits, clove, and hints of walnut and leather
Finish: Smooth, velvety, and complex with a long, sherry-infused fade
This expression is a great bridge between smoky Scotch lovers and fans of rich, wine-cask-finished whiskeys.
🧭 Why Westland Stands Out
What makes Westland truly unique isn’t just the peat—it’s their commitment to American terroir. They use:
Washington-grown barley
House-made malts
Slow fermentation
Pacific Northwest oak barrels
Plus, they distill with the same level of artistry and attention to detail you’d expect from the best single malt houses in Scotland.
📦 Packaging & Availability
Expression | ABV Range | Common Bottle Sizes |
---|---|---|
Standard Peated | 46% | 750ml |
Cask Strength Peated | 55–62% | 750ml |
Sherry Cask Finish | ~46% | 750ml |
🥃 How to Enjoy It
Serving Style | Recommended For |
---|---|
Neat | Savor every note—especially with the Cask Strength |
With a splash of water | Opens up hidden complexity in both Standard and Cask |
On the rocks | Softens the smoke and elevates sweetness |
Peated Old Fashioned | A smoky twist on a classic cocktail |
With dark chocolate | Enhances the sherry and oak notes |
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to broaden your whiskey horizons, Westland Peated American Single Malt is a fantastic journey into the smoky, flavorful world of American single malt. It’s bold yet refined, smoky yet balanced, and distinctly rooted in the American Northwest.
Whether you’re enjoying the standard expression, exploring the powerful cask strength, or sipping on the sherry-finished release, Westland offers a peated experience that’s both modern and timeless.
Cheers to the smoky side of American craftsmanship! 🥃