Field of Drams: Westland Whiskey at Tales of the Cocktail 2025

There’s a time and place for talking shop — about fermentation times, yeast strains, cask management, and the intricacies of American Single Malt. At Westland, we can wax poetic about every step of the process, from grain to glass. But sometimes, it’s just as important to set aside the technical talk and focus on what truly matters: that whiskey is meant to be enjoyed.

That spirit was alive and well at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, where we hosted our “Field of Drams” happy hour — a lively, laid-back, baseball-themed celebration of our Flagship American Single Malt.

The scene was set at Will & The Way, a French Quarter favorite that made the perfect home base for an afternoon of good drinks and good company. From the moment guests walked in, they were met with the warm hum of conversation, the crackle of excitement, and a few subtle nods to America’s favorite pastime.

Instead of stiff, formal presentations, the air was loose and easy — the kind of event where you could sip, snack, and swap stories without ever feeling rushed. The goal wasn’t to lecture about whiskey-making, but to let people experience it in a way that felt effortless and fun.

We teamed up with two powerhouse bars — @trickdogbar from San Francisco and @roquettesea from Seattle — to create a lineup of cocktails that showcased Westland’s Flagship in unexpected and delicious ways. These weren’t your typical “base spirit plus mixer” drinks. Each one brought a creative twist, drawing out different sides of our whiskey’s flavor profile. Some leaned bright and citrusy, others deeper and richer, but all stayed true to the heart of American Single Malt.

Our bartenders brought personality, flair, and an infectious sense of hospitality that turned every order into a conversation. The cocktails were an experience unto themselves, but the bartenders behind them made each pour feel special.

While drinks were the main event, the snacks were a perfect double play. Cracker Jacks and hot dogs — two ballpark classics — made the rounds, tying the theme together with a whimsically. We leaned into good old American nostalgia, pairing flavors people already love with a whiskey they might be meeting for the first time.
While the atmosphere was relaxed, “Field of Drams” was also a reminder of what makes Tales of the Cocktail so special. This annual gathering isn’t just an industry conference — it’s a community celebration, bringing together bartenders, distillers, and spirits enthusiasts from around the world.

For Westland, it’s a chance to share our whiskey with new friends, reconnect with old ones, and show that American Single Malt belongs right alongside the world’s great whiskeys. Events like this help us do more than talk about our vision — they let people taste it, feel it, and carry it with them long after they leave.

By the end of the afternoon, it was clear that “Field of Drams” had been a hit. Glasses clinked, laughter spilled out onto the street, and the last guests lingered long after the official end time. The best measure of success? People were already asking if we’d be back next year.

We can — and will — keep telling the story of American Single Malt in technical detail. But this event was proof that sometimes, the best way to connect is through a shared moment over a drink. No diagrams, no jargon. Just whiskey, food, friends, and a theme that made everyone break a smile.

Here’s to next year’s Tales. We’ll bring our ballgame best.