With Garry Oak, the folks over at Westland are managing a resource that is, by its very nature, scarce—whether out in the world or in the aisles of their rackhouse.
What they have to work with one year is altogether different the next. But this fluctuation in supply is what ultimately makes Garryana so challenging and thus so interesting.
This September’s release of Garryana Edition 4|1 again shows how this unique Pacific Northwest oak contributes to the flavour profile of single malt whiskey, the company says.
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 on the marriage of Garry oak and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks.
Nose: Brooding notes of dark malt and wood char give way to to lighter briny/ green olive/ peppermint aromas on the nose.
Palate: The palate is muscular and savoury.
Finish: Dark bread and black pepper linger long afterwards and bristle at the sides of the tongue.