Westland Distillery
Westland Distillery is an American single malt whiskey producer based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2010. It was among the pioneers of the American single malt movement, focusing exclusively on barley-based whiskeys made in the tradition of single malt while embracing ingredients and character rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
The distillery is known for its emphasis on locally sourced barley, distinctive malt-forward flavor profiles, and experimentation with regional oak and native grains. In 2017, Westland was acquired by Rémy Cointreau, giving it greater reach while it continued producing whiskey in Seattle.
Westland Distillery is an American single malt whiskey producer based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2010.
Read more about Westland Distillery
Westland Distillery is an American single malt whiskey producer based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2010. It was among the pioneers of the American single malt movement, focusing exclusively on barley-based whiskeys made in the tradition of single malt while embracing ingredients and character rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
The distillery is known for its emphasis on locally sourced barley, distinctive malt-forward flavor profiles, and experimentation with regional oak and native grains. In 2017, Westland was acquired by Rémy Cointreau, giving it greater reach while it continued producing whiskey in Seattle.
History and Background
Westland Distillery was established in Seattle by a team that saw an opportunity to craft single malt whiskey shaped by the terroir of the Pacific Northwest. The founders sought to demonstrate that a distinctly American single malt could stand apart from Scotch traditions while honoring the same barley-and-malt foundation.
The distillery gained early recognition for its commitment to using specialty and roasted malts, drawing inspiration from the region's craft brewing culture. Its approach helped shape the broader conversation around American single malt as a recognized category.
In 2017, Westland became part of Rémy Cointreau's portfolio, a move that provided resources and international distribution while the brand maintained its identity as a Seattle-based single malt specialist.
House Style and Production
Westland centers its house style on barley, using a diverse blend of malts—including roasted and specialty varieties—to build layered, malt-forward flavor. This gives many of its whiskeys notes of chocolate, cereal, dried fruit, and nutty richness that distinguish them from lighter grain-forward styles.
The distillery is particularly known for its exploration of terroir and oak. Its Garryana series highlights Quercus garryana, an oak species native to the Pacific Northwest, imparting unique spice and tannic character. The distillery has also worked with heritage and local barley varieties to express a sense of place in its whiskey.
Fermentation, distillation in pot stills, and maturation in a mix of cask types come together to produce whiskeys designed to showcase ingredient and regional influence rather than heavy peat or high-proof intensity.
The Range and What to Expect
Westland's core lineup typically includes its flagship American Oak single malt, a Peated expression, and a Sherry Wood release, offering an accessible introduction to the distillery's malt-driven style. These bottlings showcase the range from approachable and balanced to richer, sherried character.
Beyond the core range, Westland is celebrated for limited and experimental releases, most notably the Garryana series built around native Garry oak, and the Colere series exploring specific barley varieties. These editions appeal to collectors and enthusiasts seeking terroir-focused, single-cask, or small-batch whiskeys.
When shopping, expect bottlings that reward those interested in the American single malt category. Availability of limited editions varies by release, so core expressions are the most reliably stocked, while special series may be more scarce.