Westland American Oak

Westland American Oak

Spirit Type	American Single Malt Whiskey
Release Date	October 2013
Whiskybase	WB87594

Contents

1. Specifications (2014)
2. Specifications (2015)
3. Specifications (2016)
4. Release Info
5. From the Distillery (2013)
6. From the Distillery (2015)
7. From the Distillery (2016)
8. From the Distillery (2019)
9. On the Box
10. Awards
11. Links
12. Databases
13. Reviews

First introduced in 2013, American Oak was one of the hallmarks of the Westland flavor profile - the Five Malt grain bill aged in new American oak. Alongside Peated and Sherry Wood, these three whiskies defined the Westland house style for approximately seven years.

Originally named “American Single Malt”, it was renamed to “American Oak” around 2016. Upon release in 2021, Flagship would also use the name “American Single Malt” which can create some challenges in determining which whiskey is being reviewed.

The entire Core Range was discontinued in 2021, and re-categorized as the Heritage Range until existing stocks were sold out.

Specifications (2014)

Grain Bill: Five Malt
Cask Type: 100% #4 Char New American Oak
Maturation Time: 24 Months

Specifications (2015)

Grain Bill: Five Malt
Cask Type: Heavy Char New American Oak
Maturation Time: 24 Months

Specifications (2016)

Grain Bill: Five Malt
Cask Type(s):
- New American Oak (Cooper’s Select)
- New American Oak (Cooper’s Reserve)
- First Fill Ex-Bourbon
Maturation Time: 24 Months (changed to 36 months in late 2018 or early 2019)

Release Info

Release Number: 0002, 0006
Spirit Type: American Single Malt Whiskey
Series: Heritage Range (when discontinued, previously was Core Range)
Release Name: American Oak (known as “American Single Malt” upon release in October 2013, renamed to “American Oak” around 2016)
Release Date: October 2013
Discontinued Date: 2021
ABV: 46%
Size:
- 750ml (screwcap), boxed
- 200ml (cork) in the Core Range Collection with Peated and Sherry Wood
Total Bottled:
- October 2013, Release #0002, 5050 bottles
- June 2014, Release #0006, 6822 bottles

From the Distillery (2013)

“Our flagship Westland American Single Malt Whiskey represents the truest expression of our house style. At the core of this whiskey’s flavor profile is a grain bill comprised of five different roasted and kilned barley malts giving our whiskey a character unique to Westland Distillery. The base is a pale malt, grown in the State of Washington. To that we add specialty malts, a concept inspired by the vibrant craft brewing culture of the Pacific Northwest. Deep and rich in flavors, these specialty malts contribute to the whiskey notes of chocolate, nuts, cookies, pastries, mocha, caramel and raisins. Our Belgian brewer’s yeast further enhances flavor development, creating fruity esters during fermentation. And finally, maturing predominantly in the finest new American oak casks complements our other choices with vanilla, caramel and coconut notes, leaving us with an approachable and mature whiskey.”
“Flavor Profile Notes: The initial nose is awash in cherry cake and graham cracker. But shortly after, a rich creaminess emerges with creme brûlée and chocolate custard while a hint of jasmine hides just beneath the surface. The first sip confirms the creamy and rich, mouth-coating cherry cake notes on the nose.
After five minutes the nose begins to reveal melting Toblerone chocolates, almonds and a touch of smoky pine. Waffle cone joins the group along with rainier cherries after a water addition. Extended tastings bring out white chocolate, Turkish coffee (with cardamom), bananas flambé and decadent cream.

From the Distillery (2015)

“A flagship malt is the core expression of a distillery’s house style. Westland’s Flagship American Single Malt Whiskey is a reflection of where it is made and the collective intent of those who made it. When we founded Westland Distillery, we had a vision for an entirely new category of whiskey. Distilled from the rich, flavorful barley of Washington State and matured predominantly in new American oak casks in the steady, cool humidity of our seaside home, this whiskey is a testament to that vision. All of these choices and ingredients conspire to create an approachable, mature and uniquely American single malt that can stand with the best whiskies in the world.”

From the Distillery (2016)

“Flavor Profile Notes: The initial nose provides lemon and orange custard backed by freshly produced waffle cone. Shortly after, a rich creaminess emerges with creme brûlée and chocolate custard while a hint of jasmine hides just beneath the surface. The first sip confirms the creamy and rich fruit custard notes of the nose, adding an element of rainier cherries. After five minutes, melting swiss chocolate is revealed with a hint of almond. Extended tastings brings out bananas and cream with Turkish coffee.”

From the Distillery (2019)

“Nose: Lemon and orange custard, waffle cone, crème brûlée, chocolate custard, jasmine.”
“Palate: Rich fruit, Rainier cherries, Swiss chocolate, almond, bananas, cream, Turkish coffee.”

On the Box

“A flagship malt is the core expression of a distillery’s house style. Westland’s American Oak is a reflection of where it is made and the collective intent of those who made it. When we founded Westland Distillery, we had a vision for an entirely new category of whiskey. Distilled from the rich, flavorful barley of Washington State and matured predominantly in new American oak casks in the steady, cool humidity of our seaside home, this whiskey is a testament to that vision. All of these choices and ingredients conspire to create an approachable, mature and uniquely American single amlt that can stand with the best whiskies in the world.”