2014 Single Cask Nation Westland 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt American Whisky (700ml)

Founded in 2011, independent bottlers Single Cask Nation are based in the United States, so you'd expect more than a few American whiskeys to appear in their portfolio. Here's an interesting one from the latest shipment. Set in the heart of downtown Seattle, Westland is one of the largest (if not the largest) single malt distillery in the country. The facility itself is home to a 5,000-litre mash house that operates full-time, seven days a week filling 10,000-litre fermenters. The stills perform a traditional double distillation before the spirit is goes into a variety of full-size oak casks including two types of new American oak, ex-bourbon casks and also ex-sherry casks imported fresh and whole from Montilla, Spain. Once filled, all of the distillery's whiskeys are brought to the coast of Washington State, where the temperate and humid climate of the rainforest offers an ideal environment for maturation. The outturn here was 198 bottles after four years and eight months finishing in a first fill Banyuls barrique. Expect notes of caramel, dried fruit, chocolate and oak. 49.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.