Westland Colere 2nd Edition American Single Malt Whiskey

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 50% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Colere is Westland’s series exploring the flavours of different barley varieties; its name derives from the Latin verb meaning “to cultivate”. The second edition focuses exclusively on Talisman, a two-row winter barley descended from Maris Otter. Working with Washington State University’s Bread Lab as well as regional maltsters and farmers, Westland examines the grain’s contribution to flavour rather than focusing solely on yield. Released in May 2022, the edition was limited to 3,000 bottles worldwide.

The whiskey matured for at least four years and 357 days exclusively in previously used casks. The vatting comprised 58% first-fill ex-bourbon casks and 42% second-fill ISC Cooper’s Reserve casks. This selection was intended to keep the influence of oak in the background and give the Talisman barley more room to express itself. Belgian brewer’s yeast complemented this deliberate focus on the raw materials.

The whiskey combines dried lemon peel and fresh raspberry with vanilla and brown sugar, while dark chocolate and orange provide a more bitter counterpoint.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose brings together dried lemon peel, vanilla icing and fresh raspberry with a delicate hint of honey.
• Palate: Malted barley initially takes centre stage on the palate, accompanied by light brown sugar and a juicy filling of mixed berries. Leather, dark chocolate and orange emerge through the middle before giving way to a pleasant alcoholic warmth towards the end.
• Finish: Dark chocolate and orange linger through the finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

Westland Distillery produced this American single malt in Seattle and bottled it itself after maturation. Founded in 2010, the distillery began commercial distillation in 2011 and opened its site in Seattle’s SoDo district to the public in 2013. Westland has belonged to Rémy Cointreau since 2017.

Westland aims to shape American single malt through Washington-grown barley, regional resources and the conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Introduced in 2020, the Outpost Range brings together different aspects of this approach: Garryana explores native Garry oak, Solum examines regional peat, and Colere focuses on the diversity of barley varieties and harvest years.

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