This single malt from Seattle’s Westland Distillery is one of several matured in Oregon Oak, which gives a different flavor combination than traditional American White Oak casks. Cask #114 is available only at the distillery, while bottlings of similar Oregon Oak single casks are available at Astor Wines & Spirits in New York City and Pennsylvania’s state-owned liquor stores. This one was bottled after 42 months of maturation.

The nose is rich and sweet with notes of black cherries, Demerara sugar, molasses, allspice, and a touch of clove that gives a hint of what’s to come. The palate is intensely spicy and sweet in combination, with a good balance between clove and cinnamon spices and the sweetness/tartness of black cherries, honey, and molasses. The taste starts off strong and fades smoothly to a long, mouth-watering finish with subtle lingering hints of clove and red apples. (June, 2015)