Westland’s Latest American Single Malt Whiskey Pushes Past the ‘Well-Trod Territory of Ubiquitous Grains’
As a whisky enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for innovative and bold releases that challenge the status quo. Westland Distillery’s latest release, Colere Edition 4, is a game-changer. This American Single Malt Whiskey is part of their limited-release Outpost Range Series, and it’s a testament to the distillery’s commitment to exploring new frontiers in whisky production.
Westland Colere Edition 4 American Single Malt Whiskey
With Colere, Westland sets out to chart the direct impact of barley on flavor, leaving behind the well-trod territory of ubiquitous grains. This whiskey is a love letter to the Pacific Northwest, capturing the vibrancy and diversity of the region’s terroir.
The story begins with Fritz, a barley cultivated at Washington State University’s The Bread Lab center. This ancestral barley strain is a blend of Apex, Alexis, Baroness, and Cellar, developed in 2016. Westland’s Master Distiller, Tyler Pederson, explains that Fritz’s unique flavor profile is a result of its complex genetic makeup.
The whiskey spent a minimum of 71 months maturing, with 95% of the casks split between two refill Westland casks. One cask was a second fill Cooper’s Reserve cask with a heavy toast and light char, while the other was a second fill Cooper’s Select cask with a light toast and heavy char. The remaining 5% was aged in a first fill ex-bourbon cask.
The result is a whiskey that’s both familiar and innovative. The nose is reminiscent of dried apricot, croissant, and fresh citrus fruit. On the palate, I detected baked apple turnovers, dried fruit trail mix, and jasmine green tea.
“With Colere, we’re exploring the thousands of new and forgotten varieties of barley whose flavor has yet to be considered.” - Tyler Pederson, Westland Master Distiller
This release follows the return of Westland Solum, a peated American Single Malt that celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s unique terroir. As I sipped on Colere Edition 4, I couldn’t help but think about the sense of place that Westland embodies. This whiskey is a love letter to the region, and it’s a testament to the distillery’s commitment to innovation and exploration.
Westland Distillery
If you’re a fan of American Single Malts, or just looking to try something new, Colere Edition 4 is a must-try. With only 3,084 bottles available, this limited release is sure to fly off the shelves. Get your hands on a bottle and experience the vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest in a glass.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Dried apricot, croissant, fresh citrus fruit
- Taste: Baked apple turnovers, dried fruit trail mix, jasmine green tea
Availability:
Colere Edition 4 is available now, with a suggested retail price of $149.99. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of American Single Malts.
