westlanddistillery.com

Introduction

Westland Distillery

Based in Seattle, Washington, Westland Distillery boasts a portfolio of superior quality single malt whiskeys, crafted in a distinctly American and unique single malt style. Co-Founder Matt Hoffman, believed in creating an exceptional product that reflects the Pacific Northwest – one of the best barley growing regions in the world – with its rich, varied landscape and unique microclimate. Westland’s commitment to sustainability is inherent in its core philosophy and strategic business model, which honors land, heritage and patience. It is both avant-garde and traditional in its approach. Therefore, it is careful to maintain its vision when implementing innovative, progressive techniques.

Westland’s high provenance whiskeys reflect the geographical and cultural intricacies of the Pacific Northwest territories Westland’s high provenance whiskeys reflect the geographical and cultural intricacies of the Pacific Northwest territories, with malted barley being the most complex and aromatic grain used. The region is also renowned for its pristine water sources – the essence of fine whiskeys. Moreover, the maritime environment is ideal for the maturation process. Westland’s pioneering production operations masterfully shape the region’s raw materials by incorporating superior, natural ingredients with traditional distillation methods. Then it skillfully executes the ageing processes in modern varieties of oak, such as the famed Garryana Oak. Each whiskey distilled at Westland matures into a smooth balanced, aromatic profile accompanied by a fruity, yet complex, grain-focused finished.

terroirs

people

Shane Armstrong / Master Distiller

Shane Armstrong

Master Blender since 2019

Shane Armstrong's path from a childhood in Massachusetts to whiskey blending in Seattle requires some triangulation to trace. Educated in Vermont, Shane has warehoused wire and preserved museum specimens in ethanol – no doubt a precursor to rackhouse records and whiskey creation. A member of the team since its earliest days, Shane has been involved in every aspect of Westland's growth - from taxiing wort to fermentation vessels in Seattle's South Park neighborhood, to helping build the current distillery in the SODO neighborhood just south of downtown.  While he has distilled and mashed, it's in blending that Armstrong has found his calling.  Working with the production team, Shane spends his days in Westland’s blending room and sensory booth, which is designed to be free of all ambient aromas. He creates whiskeys that convey the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest and Westland’s distinctive point of view.

Tyler Pederson / Master Distiller

Tyler Pederson

Master Distiller since 2023

A member of Westland’s team since 2013, Tyler Pederson immediately embraced the mission of crafting an American Single Malt Whiskey with a distinct sense of place and applies a holistic approach to whiskey production, as exemplified in his efforts to develop a resilient local grain economy, championing sustainably grown barley crops for enhanced flavor in whiskey production. Drawing upon a deep reverence for the complexity of ecosystems that was fostered while studying ecology at the University of Washington, Tyler has been a constant advocate for sustainability, implementing carbon footprint reduction through process enhancements and innovative technologies such as carbon capture for fermentations. With technical knowledge developed during the pursuit of a Masters of Science in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, Tyler exhibits an unwavering commitment to excellence by pursuing process optimization with meticulous dedication, consistently looking to improve every aspect of production to make compelling whiskeys for the future.

time

  • 2010

    Creation Westland Distillery by Matt Hofmann and Emerson Lamb.

  • 2015

    Westland was named Whiskey of the Year by the American Distilling Institute.

  • 2016

    Westland was named World Craft Producer of the Year at World Whiskies Awards.

  • 2018

    Westland's Master Distiller Matt Hofmann was named American Master Distiller of the Year by Icons of Whiskey.

  • 2019

    Westland's Garryana 3|1 named American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at World Whiskies Awards.

  • 2022

    “Sustainable Distillery of the Year 2022” dinstinction

  • 2023

    Westland’s Garryana Edition 8 land the #3 spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of the Year list

  • 2024

    The distillery is certified B-Corp

  • 2025

    Westland releases their first ever age stated whiskey: Garryana 10 Year