Westland American Single Malt Review

Westland American Single Malt is the classic Westland, the one that started it all. Made from their “signature five-malt barley” mash, this whiskey captured my attention the first time I had it. Which, if I remember right, was at the 2017 Whisky Extravaganza in Los Angeles. I snagged a glass of this American Oak Single Malt as I passed their table and walked towards the event floor in search of something interesting to drink. I quickly turned around because I’d already found it.

I remember thinking “this is obviously young, but it’s not bad” as I walked back to the table where Matt Hofmann was talking about his whiskey; I was an instant fan. He was engaging, forthright with information and put on zero front. He was just a guy who loved whiskey and was doing his best to put out an honest product. And as a whiskey geek I can’t ask for much more.

Let’s get to drinkin’!

Westland American Single Malt – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Style: Single Malt (American)
Region: Washington, USA
Distiller: Westland

Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (Washington Select Pale, Munich, Extra Special, Pale Chocolate, Brown)
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 3+ Years
ABV: 46%

Westland American Single Malt Price: $75*

Related Whiskey

Westland Sherry Wood
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey
Whiskey Del Bac Classic Single Malt
High West High Country Single Malt
Virginia Distillery Courage and Conviction Single Malt

White background tasting shot with the Westland American Single Malt bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it.

“In our pursuit of an authentically American single malt whiskey, we bring our signature five-malt barley bill together with new American oak casks—two things practically unheard of in the old world” – Westland

Westland American Single Malt Tasting Notes

EYE
Lighter copper

NOSE
Oaky, banana malt, baking spice, vanilla, caramel, malty sweet, nuts.

Warmly sweet, malty and slightly fruity.

PALATE
Orchard fruity, oaky, baking spice, vanilla, caramel and malty sweet with a nutty banana malted shake.

Velvety warm and fruity with a malty tastiness.

FINISH
Medium -> Oaky, malty and fruity tastiness and caramel banana

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decently balanced, medium-full body and a soft easy feel.

Westland American Single Malt – Overall Thoughts and Score

The aroma is dry and fruity with some nice dark notes supporting; the palate follows suite though with a bit more malty sweetness; the finish is a great culmination of the experience. This is a good American single malt.

It’s come a long way from the beginning, as you would hope it would. The first time I tried it (2017) I was intrigued, it was interesting, I was far from enamored, but I tasted promise. However, that night, the distiller, Matt, was more impressive than the whiskey, which was woody, spirity and a tad soapy, but the underlying sweetness was pleasant and I saw the passion he had for his craft.

I remember walking away from his table thinking “give it a few years and this will be some good stuff.” I’m happy to report that past me was right, Westland American Single Malt has turned into a nice whiskey and it continues to get better. Every time I revisit Westland I enjoy it more and more and I’m really excited to see what the future holds for this forward-thinking distillery. These guys keep getting better.

SCORE: 3/5 (above average, worth checking out ~ B- | 80-82)

*Disclosure: The bottle for this American Single Malt review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.