Westland Distillery continues its exploration of American peat with the release of the third edition of Solum American Single Malt Whiskey, arriving in key markets nationwide this month. Part of Westland’s Outpost Range, which explores the distillery’s Pacific Northwest sense of place, the release Solum third Edition follows the official ratification of the American Single Malt Whiskey category, which went into effect January 19, 2025.
Solum is the third expression in Westland’s Outpost Range of annual limited-edition releases that showcase oak (Garryana), grain (Colere) and peat (Solum), each unique to its Pacific Northwest homeland. Solum Edition 3 features 100% Washington peated malt, matured in a combination of new and used oak casks to create a robust glass while still showcasing the smoke undertones. The exploration of Pacific Northwest Peat in application to Washington-grown barley presents itself in the glass with herbal notes inspired by the character of the region’s winter months.
Shane Armstrong, Westland Distillery’s master blender, commented: “Solum contains the most obvious connection to our Pacific Northwest region, while drawing a direct line to the lineage of single malt whiskey making. So far, the flavors trend toward the earthier end of peat, moss and sage, with lighter charred wood notes. This character contrasts the medicinal and overt wood smoke found in other peated whiskies.”
Harvested from a bog approximately two hours south of Seattle, Westland departed from traditional methods of peat harvest, retrieving the peat from below the bog’s waterline rather than first draining and excavating the bog. This harvesting process was specifically designed to preserve the bog’s ecosystem, preventing the release of greenhouse gasses and ensuring that the bog will be able to continue producing peat into the future – a testament to Westland’s devotion to sustainability.
The third iteration of Solum is similar to its predecessor, except a year older and the ex-Bourbon barrels of previous years have been replaced with Westland’s own refill casks. These bring more oak flavor, and traces of the five-malt character of their previous fill.
Tasting notes provided by Westland Distillery say this release has notes of fruit vanilla custard and croissant on the nose, followed by toasted sourdough and praline on the palate.
Solum Edition 3 (RRP $149.99) is bottled at 100 proof and is available in markets worldwide. For more information about Westland Distillery, visit the brand’s official website.