Westland is one of my favorite distilleries. They are doing things no other US distilleries have ventured to do. Last month they released their 1st Edition of Solum (SOLE-LUM) which is part of their Outpost Range and the name is the Latin word for “soil”.

Instead of going to Scotland to acquire peat, Westland is now looking in their backyard to source it, continuing to make their distillery very sustainable. Solum is made from malted barley using Washington State peat.

The 1st Edition is matured in Copper’s Reserve New American Oak, Copper’s Select New American Oak, and First Fill ex-Bourbon casks. It’s matured for 41 months and bottled at 50% ABV. The grain bill is Skagit Valley Malting Peat Malt.

Nose: fruit, smoke, cinnamon, and apples
Palate: vanilla, herbs, light peat, and sweetness
Finish: lightly sweet and earthy
Cost: $150

Sadly, they’re no longer producing Peat Week whiskey, if you go into Solum thinking it’ll be a replacement, you’ll be very very disappointed. Solum is not a replacement for their Peat Week but boy, it’s still delicious. Islay Peat is sometimes compared to licking the inside of your chimney. Washington peat, in comparison, is soft, earthy, and different in all the right ways. It’s a unique dram that is sweet and lightly smoked. The peat is not so in your face that it might even attract those non-peat lovers.

This is a very well-made whiskey and I commend those at Westland. Why go to a different country to source materials your own state can provide. Personally, I loved this whiskey. It’s fabulous and if you ever want to try what American peat tastes like well… Here’s your chance.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.