US ~ 50% ~ $230 ~
And now for something completely different: American single malt from Washington state whose grain bill reads only Skagit Valley Malting Alba. You’re excused if you’ve not heard of this particular type of barley as it was developed at Washington State University’s Bread Lab by a PhD student funded by Westland specifically for the Colere line. Aging in 1st and 2nd fill casks lets this special malt dictate the flavour profile. The whole Outpost Range is focused on local production of whisky ingredients (barley, peat, oak, etc.) using sustainable agricultural methods.
Tasting Notes
By The Master of Malt
Westland Distillery’s Colere 1st Edition American single malt whisky is the second of the three annual limited editions in the Seattle craft distiller’s Outpost Range which initially began as experimental whiskies. This variant is also Westland’s foray into using lesser used grains such as Alba barley to reignite the relationship between natural ingredients and whiskey. Colere means “to cultivate” and this creation serves as a reminder that raw ingredients and agricultural processes are integral to the creation of its unique flavour, which is all toasted almond and luxury granola. This whiskey is matured for 49 months in 62% second fill ISC Cooper’s Reserve casks and 38% first fill ex-bourbon casks. There are only 2,893 bottles of this 1st edition available.
Nose
Sweet with depth and with blueberry muffin hits of fruit.
Palate
Granola and cereal grain along with fresh tropical fruits and marzipan.
Finish
Deep, warm and long with lots of roasted almond and toasted pineapple.