Meet the Cocktail Collective

In the long days of the Pacific Northwest summer, Westland gathered seven visionary bartenders for the inaugural meeting of the Westland Cocktail Collective. Each member is a prominent bartender from one of the country’s most innovative cocktail bars, and they came together for three days at the edge of the world to share adventure, stories, ideas, recipes, and, of course, delicious cocktails.

Nick Amano Dolan | @nickamanodolan
Trick Dog | San Francisco, CA | @trickdogbar

“What’s unique about my approach to cocktails is I really try to have a sense of self and identity through each one of them.” 

Signature Cocktail: The Silver Charm
Nick Amano Dolan presented to us a cocktail reminiscent of a mint julep, but with his own twist. Westland Whiskey and white cacao add a powerful depth to this opulent drink.  

At Home Cocktail: Little Tokyo
This cocktail by Nick Amano Dolan offers a no-fuss construction that still suggests layers of deep flavor. This riff on a Manhattan will change the way you think about whiskey in cocktails.  

Will Wyatt | @willtwyatt
Mister Paradise | New York City, NY | @misterparadisenyc

“I’ve always liked to create things. After working with a carpenter, I got a taste for creating something that youre immediately pass on, and with cocktails, you’re able to do that in a very immediate way where you’re able to see that satisfaction out of the gate.” 

Signature Cocktail: Carrot Cake Punch 
Will Wyatt creates a clarified milk punch cocktail entirely reminiscent of and inspired by the flavors in carrot cake, his favorite dessert. The rich baking spice tones perfectly complement the aromatics of Westland Whiskey.  

At Home Cocktail: Moroccan Mint Highball 
This highball cocktail lets Westland shine brightly while adding depth with gunpowder tea and fresh mint leaves.  

Kapri Robinson | @kapri.possible
Allegory | Washington D.C. | @allegory_dc

“I am trying to bring to cocktails something that isn’t altogether new, but I think is overlooked. And that is perfect simplicity. I love cocktails that are low in amount of ingredients but are just mind-blowing in flavor and the way that they make you feel.” 

Signature Cocktail: The Brave 
Kapri Robinson’s signature drink is a carbonated cocktail that adds nuance with butter and lemon while highlighting the tropical notes of Westland Whiskey including banana and walnut. 

At Home Cocktail: The Honey Bear 
This cocktail by Kapri Robinson mimics the formula of a Gold Rush, combining Westland Whiskey with honey and lemon, but adding black pepper for complex aromatic tones.

Erik Hakkinen
Roquette | Seattle, WA | @roquettesea

“What I’m trying to bring to my cocktails that’s unique is an approach that packs as much flavor into a three-ounce drink as possible. Every element has to have flavor. We don’t use anything that doesn’t have a ton of nuance and depth.” 

Signature Cocktail: East by Northwest
Erik Hakkinen creates this powerful riff on a highball cocktail. The Westland Whiskey takes you on a flavor journey of fresh and bright tones from grapefruit to shiso to cucumber, leaving the palate thirsty for more.  

At Home Cocktail: Flagship Espresso Martini
Hakkinen recognizes the Espresso Martini fandom, and offers something new on a beloved favorite. This Espresso Martini uses Westland Flagship to add backbone and body and nuance.  

Dominique Jackson | @drinkingwithdom
52 Remedies | San Diego, CA | @52remedies

“Every cocktail I put across the bar is a piece of me and my history where I’ve come from, where I began, my start, middle, and future of what I came to and when I came to bartending.” 

Signature Cocktail: Let That Man Go 
Dominique Jackson combines nostalgic flavors inspired by her Filipino upbringing. This nuanced clarified milk punch cocktail uses Westland Whiskey, coffee, coconut, mango, and accents the palate with a touch of thai chili.  

At Home Cocktail: El Dorado  
This cocktail by Dominique Jackson, follows the flavors expected in a Gold Rush or a Penicillin cocktail. Jackson combines Westland Whiskey with honey, lemon, and spiced black tea to create a rounded and bright drink.  

Paul Sauter | @paulsauter7
The Aviary | Chicago, IL | @aviarycocktails

“What I try to bring to my cocktails is an experience. How can I make myself unique? I want you to get an experience that you’d never think about. Whether it’s a presentation or hidden flavors. I love taking something and flipping it, and getting people to think about it.” 

Signature Cocktail: U.S.S. Westland 
Paul Sauter takes a unique approach in this cocktail, suggesting that time can be a valuable ingredient. The U.S.S. Westland utilizes a porthole glass vessel for steeping the whiskey with an array of dry and wet goods and spices to create a rounded cocktail that takes on additional notes over time. 

At Home Cocktail: Strawberry Old-Fashioned 
Sauter’s take on an old-fashioned cocktail combines this simple and beloved drink with his love of strawberries and the pungent, bright flavor they bring.  

Justin Lavenue | @justbitters
Roosevelt Room | Austin, TX | @rooseveltroomatx

“I find myself creating cocktails with the approach of really trying to have a drink tell a story. Whether it is a moment in someone’s life, or a memory, or a feeling.” 

Signature Cocktail: Heading Southwest
This stirred-down cocktail by Justin Lavenue matches rich Westland Whiskey with bright and tropical tones from banana juice and brown sugar. The result is a layered and easy-sipping concoction that is memorable and unique.  

At Home Cocktail: Word Around the Campfire
Justin Lavenue’s sophisticated cocktail recipe here reminisces on the flavors of sitting fireside with s’mores at the helm. Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced, the marshmallow creamy tones perfectly match the chocolate tones in Westland Whiskey.  

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Meet the Collective:
Kapri Robinson—Allegory | Washington D.C.
Dominique Jackson—52 Remedies | San Diego, CA
Will Wyatt—Mister Paradise | New York City, NY
Justin Lavenue—Roosevelt Room | Austin, TX
Paul Sauter—The Aviary | Chicago, IL
Erik Hakkinen—Roquette| Seattle, WA
Nick Amano Dolan—Trick Dog | San Francisco, CA