Discovering Garry Oak

Garry oak is a species of white oak native to the Pacific Northwest with a natural habitat ranging primarily from southern British Columbia, down through Western Washington and in to the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Westland has been working with Garry Oak for some time now and still there is always more to learn. This episode looks back at some of our initial explorations with ReWine Barrels in Salem, OR.

Show Notes

One of the great joys that comes with a new challenge like Garry oak is the sense of discovery, a learning process that stretches over the course of years or decades. The timeline for whiskey-making deserves its own scale. Unlike trades where the feedback is immediate, whiskey is the practice of true patience. Our first Garry oak casks were matured for more than three years and the results from those five casks, rather than conclusively revealing what the wood is about, merely raised more questions and provokes us to explore further. This may seem deflating to you, but for us this is what makes our profession so exciting. The possibility of endless learning, at a pace that’s largely out of our control and increasingly out of step with society, when everything else seems to be heading in the other direction, provides a fundamental satisfaction that feels real and human.

To read more about the Native Oak Series please visit our website. Each release features film, photography and essays for your enjoyment. Links to each release are listed below.

Garryana 1|1
Garryana 2|1
Garryana 3|1

What is Brave New Tradition?

The podcast that leaves old world convention behind to explore new possibilities in single malt whiskey. Written and produced by Westland Distillery located in Seattle, WA.