Westland Distillery witnessed its busiest day in its history as over 500 whiskey enthusiasts celebrated the launch of Garryana 9th Edition American Single Malt. The much-anticipated release saw fans lining up to be among the first to purchase the limited-edition whiskey, as well as meet the makers and watch the live construction of Garry Oak barrels.
The release follows the success of the eighth edition, and like its predecessors, features Quercus Garryana, a rare oak indigenous to the Pacific Northwest region. Bottled at 50% ABV, a total of 6,600 bottles are available of the spirit which has matured for a minimum of 60 months.
The producers have described the expression as having aromas of burnt marshmallow, biscuit, and mocha, with notes of ground clove, cinnamon stick, and faint peppermint on the palate.
Describing what makes this latest edition different from those before, master blender Shane Armstrong commented: “Full-term Oloroso Sherry casks were used, creating a completely different profile than the PX casks used in the past. The dry, oxidized Oloroso notes offer a nuanced savory aspect that complements the distinctive character of the Garry oak. This is a first for us, and based on the result, it won't be the last.”
Jason Moore, managing director, spoke about the passion of Westland’s fans and community: "Witnessing the incredible turnout for Garryana Edition 9 was truly inspiring. The passion of our local community and the dedication of our team made this a landmark day in Westland's history. This release embodies our commitment to exploring the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest, and we're excited to share this exceptional whiskey with the world."
The bottle is available at an SRP of $149.99, with more information available online at Westland’s website.
