Westland Distillery Sherry Wood 46% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (86)

Colour: deep gold.

Nose: it’s almost as if they had recreated Arran, as I find both styles pretty similar. The sherry isn’t very big, and what we rather find is plenty of butterscotch, barley, and teas, which just works. Beyond that, indeed, there’s a raisiny side, but also plenty of murmuring spices and herbs, a list of which would be too long. Sage, perhaps, tarragon, nutmeg, a drop of soy sauce, a wee piece of bacon…

Mouth: it’s the balance that’s rather impressive, given the very young age – and I doubt Seattle’s climate would accelerate any aging process. I find a little coffee, cornflakes, cereal bars, raisins indeed, then more chocolate. A lot more chocolate. Gets then very malty, almost Ovaltine-y.

Finish: medium, extremely malty. Chicory drink and more cornflakes. Some gentle raisins in the aftertaste.

Comments: it’s really soft and malty. That they manage to do this within just 26 months is a little hard to fathom, having said that. Secret electronics? Climate-controlled warehouses? Aging chambers? Or do they play some Lady Gaga in the warehouse, so that the whisky wants to get out as fast as possible?