Crafting Excellence: The Whiskies of Westland and Uncle Nearest
In this article, I look at two American whisky distilleries that are making waves. Westland from Seattle has created a name for itself making single malt whisky and Uncle Nearest that is currently valued at $900m having only been founded in 2017.
It is currently one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving spirits categories. Its resurgence and growing popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the craft distillery movement, innovation in production, the revival of cocktail culture, and a deepening appreciation for the heritage and diversity of American whiskey. Both of the distilleries I am writing about here are leading the way. Whether they can still be labelled as craft distilleries is a topic to debate, but regardless, their ethos lies in the craft movement.
They have been part of the dramatic increase in small-scale distilleries, with artisans passionate about creating unique, high-quality spirits, going on to become companies of real size. They have been pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey production, experimenting with mash bills, fermentation techniques, and ageing processes. In summary, they provide whisky to be excited about, that deserves a place on our shelves.
Westland
Westland Distillery, established in Seattle, Washington, in 2010, has rapidly ascended to prominence. Its inception was driven by a mission to redefine American single malt whiskey, emphasising local ingredients, including barley and the unique Garryana oak, to create innovative whiskies.
It was started by Emerson Lamb and Master Distiller Matt Hofmann. They sought to leverage Washington State’s diverse barley varieties, abundant pure water, and unique microclimates. Their approach is with an experimental mindset, particularly evident in their use of local peat and the pioneering exploration of native oak species for maturation.
The most notable of these and the one they are known for is Quercus garryana (Garry oak). This variety imparts unique flavour profiles not found in traditional North American or European oak.
They have played a pivotal role in advancing the American single malt category, demonstrating its potential for complexity, depth, and terroir-driven expression. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and education has seen them receive numerous awards, which is a testament to the high standards they set for themselves.
Westland Distillery's commitment to sustainability is integral to its operations and philosophy, with a deep respect for the environment and a forward-thinking approach. It is their sustainability credentials that first introduced me to the distillery. I was at the launch of the Berry Bros & Rudd, Pioneers Collection, of which Westland was a part. The collection focuses on bottles that BBR have botted themselves, with an emphasis on distilleries with high sustainability practices. It is an extraordinary collection which I encourage you to buy. Each of them is delicious!
Back to Westland, they use locally sourced ingredients to minimise transportation emissions and support local agriculture. This includes barley grown in their region.
Given the importance of water in the distillation process, Westland recaptures and reuses water throughout distillation, and has invested in energy-efficient technologies. They use sustainable materials in its packaging and actively seek to reduce unnecessary waste. This approach extends to minimising plastic use, opting for recyclable or biodegradable materials wherever possible.
Their use of Garryana oak not only contributes to the unique flavour profile but also highlights the importance of preserving the Pacific Northwest's native oak species. It is adaptable to a range of habitats but predominantly grows in dry, rocky soils, often found in savannas and prairies where it forms distinctive ecosystems. These ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide array of plant and animal species. Unfortunately, Garry oak habitats have been significantly reduced due to urban development, agriculture, and fire suppression, making conservation efforts critical.
They are deciduous, with leaves that turn a golden brown in autumn, and have been important to the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. Its acorns were harvested as a food source, and its wood was used for various tools and ceremonial objects.
I have been fortunate to taste a range of their whiskies and my thoughts are below-:
Westland (bottled by BBR) Cask No 6235 53%
This has a nose featuring apricot, rich oak, and ripe papaya. The palate is full, unveiling a robust taste with flavours of mango, apricot preserve, freshly baked brioche, and creamy caramel. On the finish, the taste of fruit, chocolate and nuts permeates.
Westland 2014 Single Cask 7-Year-Old 53.8% - The Whisky Exchange at £95
This is a Whisky Exchange exclusive that has a deep and rich mahogany colour. The nose is marzipan, vanilla, honey and spice. The palate is fruity, my guess, tasting blind was that this came from a sherry cask. In fact it is Madeira and shows dark stone fruits, such as stewed plums with custard, dark chocolate and some roasted hazelnuts. There is a clove spice running through it that lasts well in the finish.
Westland Single Malt 46% - The Whisky Exchange at £50.50
A savoury nose of orchard fruits like apples and pears, citrus and rich tea biscuits. On the palate, there is chocolate, nuts, caramel and a subtle malt note with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Quite a fruity finish.
Westland Single Malt Colere 2nd Edition 50% - The Whisky Exchange at £129
A very different nose than the straight single malt, almost creme brulé with an orange glaze with slight spice and barley characteristics. The palate is dry and spicy with malted notes, orange peel, vanilla custard and chocolate. It has been made from Talisman, a 2-row winter barley that can trace its roots back to Marris Otter.
Westland Single Malt Garryana 8th Edition 50%
This has been aged in Garryana oak barrels, a species of oak native to the Pacific Northwest. It has a beautiful and complex nose. Full, rich and fruity showing plum, damson, vanilla, toffee and peach. The palate is a lot drier than the nose suggests but equally full of flavour. Nuts come into force, specifically roasted hazelnuts and almonds and a plum compote. There is a spice that works really well with the chocolate and black cherry flavours that are also present. The finish has a lovely smokiness to it making this a very tasty and intriguing whisky. I don’t believe this is available in the UK yet, but it should be soon.
Westland Single Malt Solum 2nd Edition 50%
The Solum 2nd Edition opens with a pronounced earthiness characteristic of its peat influence, which complements aromas that remind me of an Irish soda bread baked with herbs and served with lashings of butter. The hints of caramel and toasted marshmallow suggest some sweetness.
The sweetness detected on the nose turns into a more complex caramelised sugar and vanilla in the mouth, balanced by a touch of spice. Think black pepper and clove. There are notes of chocolate and coffee. The smoke is integrated into the taste and not overpowering. There is a meaty, earthy and BBQ flavour with some black tea also present.
Uncle Nearest
Uncle Nearest’s name honours Nearest Green, an enslaved man who later became the first African American master distiller on record in the United States. Green is credited with teaching young Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel the craft of distilling, including the Lincoln County Process, a unique method of charcoal filtering that is a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey.
Founded by Fawn Weaver in 2017, the Uncle Nearest brand is built on the foundation of acknowledging and celebrating Green's previously underrecognized contributions to American whiskey. Through extensive historical research and collaboration with Green's descendants, Uncle Nearest has not only spotlighted an important figure in whiskey history but has also committed to preserving his legacy through the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, aimed at fostering diversity in the spirits industry.
Uncle Nearest's whiskey is made in Shelbyville, Tennessee, near the original grounds where Green distilled his whiskey. The 1884 Small Batch, one of its flagship products, is a tribute to the last year Green is believed to have put down his own barrel of whiskey.
Among the interesting facts about Uncle Nearest is its rapid rise to prominence, becoming one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the United States and the most-awarded American whiskey or bourbon company in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The brand has also made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry, exemplified by its majority female leadership team and the establishment of the Nearest Green Foundation, which provides scholarships to Green's descendants.
In a relatively short time, Uncle Nearest has not only captured the attention of whiskey enthusiasts worldwide but has also made a profound impact on the industry, championing the recognition of African American contributions to whiskey-making and setting new standards for social responsibility and community engagement.
I spoke with Uncle Nearest’s Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler recently about the brand. You can find my tasting notes beneath the brief interview.
You are the fastest-growing whiskey brand in the USA - how have you achieved this?
Everything we do starts at the top with our CEO, Fawn Weaver. She is the most creative, strategic and innovative person I’ve ever worked alongside. Even at an accelerated pace, everything we do is well-planned and executed with excellence.
You are an all-female-led business - how are you encouraging others to follow in your footsteps?
When I’m asked by individuals or on a speaking panel what people can do to reach their own potential I always share these 3 things.
- Show up as your authentic self
- Believe in the possibilities
- Be completely dedicated to your goal
In addition, the Nearest and Jack Initiative was put in place for those who desire to be Master Blenders, Master Distillers or hold executive positions. We believe in pulling others as we climb.
Do you have a signature cocktail?
My favourite cocktail of late is a Classic Daiquiri made with Uncle Nearest 1884 served up.
Which bottle in your range are you most proud of?
I always lean towards 1884 because it’s the first expression I blended and it is consistently an excellent sipper.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch 46.5% - The Whisky Exchange at £59.50
This has an inviting nose with layers of complexity. Initial notes of sweet vanilla and caramel with some toasted oak. On the palate, there is maple syrup and brown sugar, balanced perfectly by a spicy kick of cinnamon and nutmeg. The mid-palate reveals a deeper character, with the emergence of dark fruits like cherries and a hint of orange peel, providing complexity. I also found baked apples and peaches, drizzled with a hint of honey. On the finish, there's a lingering note of leather and tobacco.
Uncle Nearest 1856 50% - The Whisky Exchange at £69.75
I loved the aroma of toasted nuts and vanilla. There were layers of molasses and toffee with a gentle spice. The palate is bold and assertive. It starts with a wave of caramel sweetness, quickly balanced by a spicy burst of black pepper and cinnamon. This spice gives way to the nuanced flavours of figs and raisins, alongside some citrus zest. There is tobacco and leather on the finish
