SEATTLE — A single malt whiskey from Seattle's Westland Distillery recently placed in the top three in the world by Whisky Advocate.
Whisky Advocate recently released its Top 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of the Year list.
Westland Distillery's Garryana 8th Edition was awarded the third spot. Westland said this is the first time an American single malt has reached the top three.
The distillery, which prides itself on local sourcing, said the single malt is named after the white oak tree native to the northwest, which is used to age and flavor the whiskey.
"The oak influence is exquisite, coaxing out notes of charcoal grill, Krispy Kreme doughnut, Honey Nut Cheerios, and a touch of salinity on the nose. A beautifully textured palate melds smoke and sweetness in superb fashion, expressing strawberry jam, burnt sugar, campfire smoke, and chocolate raspberry Ghirardelli square. Toasted marshmallows, honey, and cinnamon sweetness linger on and on throughout the finish, leaving you eager for another sip," whiskey reviewer Julia Higgins said on Whisky Advocate's ranking.
Coming in at number one is the Glenglassaugh Sandend followed by the Highland Park Cask Strength, both made in Scotland.
Here's what made the top 10:
- Glenglassaugh Sandend
- Highland Park Cask Strength
- Westland Garryana (No. 8)
- Little Book Chapter 7 “In Retrospect”
- Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage
- Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2023
- Dewar's Double Double 21 year old Mizunara Oak
- Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
- Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare
- GlenDronach Cask Strength
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