Visiting Westland Distillery was an unforgettable experience, and having Jenna as our guide made it all the more exceptional. Her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make complex topics feel engaging and accessible made the tour one of the most informative I’ve ever had—not just about Westland, but about American single malt as a whole.
The handfill experience is a true highlight. There’s something incredibly special about being able to draw your own bottle straight from the cask, knowing it’s something unique to your visit. It’s an experience that connects you to the spirit in a personal, tangible way.
The shop and tasting area are absolutely stunning—modern, inviting, and a true showcase of Pacific Northwest craftsmanship and design. And don’t even get me started on the labs. Seeing where Westland conducts their experiments and innovation is like stepping into the future of American whiskey. From heirloom barley strains to unusual cask types, it’s clear that Westland isn’t just following trends—they’re setting them.
As American single malt is now officially recognized as its own category, it’s exciting to know that Westland is at the forefront of this movement. They’re not just making great whiskey; they’re defining what American single malt is and what it can be. If you’re a whiskey lover, a stop at Westland is an...
Read moreCame here with a friend from Norway, who was set upon bringing back an interesting whiskey that he might not find in Europe. The brewery, in the low industrial and warehouse district of Seattle (Sodo), was spacious and nice, with views of the distillery itself, and comfortable places to sit and sample.
We were helped by someone who could and did explain the differences between each sample, answered any questions we had well, and made the experience all the better. We all had our favorites, with various levels of peating or not, different proofs and concepts behind each.
I'm no expert on whiskeys, but my visiting friend was absolutely thrilled by what they had on offer, and not only enjoyed the experience, but walked away with a bottle! Of note, if you get a flight, which is $10, you can apply the money towards a bottle if you end up...
Read moreIn think the best description of Westland that I've heard is, "They have a lot of money. A lot."
And it shows in their super-fancy tasty room, designed like a high-end liquor experience. They are the first folks in Seattle to produce a single malt American whiskey, both peated and not. (Though the peat is currently from out of the country, they are working with local producers to change that!)
Both whiskies are delicious, though run a little hot and may startle newcomers with their price -- they are, afterall, only a couple years old, versus similar 10-12+ year offerings in the Scotch market. However, they stand up pretty well, but the single cask offerings really shine. If you happen to be in the area, drop in for a tasting. Chances are, you'll enjoy sipping and start imagining a variety of...
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