Westland’s Native Oak Series continues its exploration of a completely new variety of oak for the whiskey industry – the very rare Quercus garryana. With the September release of Garryana Edition 4|1, Westland again reveals more about how this unique Pacific Northwest oak contributes to the flavor profile of single malt whiskey.

While this year’s release of Garryana includes some casks traditionally used in whiskey-making, such as first-fill ex-rye and bourbon casks, the spotlight is squarely on the marriage of Garry oak and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. For the fourth installment of Garryana, Master Distiller Matt Hofmann and Blender Shane Armstrong wanted to explore whether these two rich and assertive flavors could live together in a single whiskey.

“This year’s release continues our inquiry and plants yet another marker in unchartered territory that still seems to have no horizon,” says Hofmann. “We sought to find out what happens when two of the deepest wells of flavor combine in one bottle.”

Garryana Native Oak Series Edition 4 (100 proof)
Visual: Medium gold.
Nose: Sherry right out of the gate. This is a sweet, slightly grape scented affair. Underneath this, is a more subtle oaken nose.
Taste: On the palate, the sherry tempers the somewhat fiery oak character into a soft murmur. The two flavors play in tandem, creating a lively and playful expression.
Finish: Towards the end, there is a dry and somewhat tannic finish. You have no doubt that this is a wood-forward spirit.
Overall: We’ve enjoyed each of the Native Oak Series releases. This one is no exception. Different, unusual and memorable.
GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Westland Distillery