Whisky : Westland Garryana 2017 Edition 2.1

Country/Region : United States/Washington

ABV : 50%

Cask : First Fill Ex-Bourbon (52%), Virgin American Oak (27%), Virgin Garryana Oak (21%)

Nose :  Fruit, musty spice, and grassy notes drift out of the glass.  Green clovers, citrus and orange oil, grape candies, pine resin, and sweet honey.  Spices slowly come alive with star anise, peppercorn, fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks.

Palate : Medium bodied with lovely dried citrus rinds, roasted coca nibs, and spiced honey wine.  Star anise, coriander, faint white pepper funk, and dark brown sugars all come through as a wonderful barbecue dry rub.  Earthy-nutty undercurrents come near the end with almonds, leather, and grilled mushrooms.

Finish :  Lingering sweet spices, leather, and rich clover honey.

Score : 6

Mental Image : Picnic Prep Work

Something Similar : Westland Hand-filled No. 3204 (similar earthy mushroom, more chocolate/smoke)

Something Worse : Kirkland Signature Speyside 22 Year (similar sweet barbecue, more malt)

Notes :  This was a beautiful blend of different cask profiles— even though Garryana Oak made up the smallest portion of the casks, it delivered a wonderful set of unique barbecue notes.  I felt like I was in the kitchen prepping desserts, carving some cured dry rubbed ham, and packing various side dishes for a picnic day out.  There was a solid balance between rich malt, sweet fruit, fragrant spice, and earthy undertones.  I really enjoyed this bottle and thought that it sits at a slightly above average place in the Garryana Oak exploration series.  Though this one has long disappeared off shelves, it is certainly worth a try if you come across it.