The Third Iteration of Solum, Exploring Local Peat

Within the innermost fibers of the Westland narrative, we find the repeated motif of exploration woven into the tapestry. The ethos of Westland stands closely connected to uncovering new ground, to taking bold steps forward into the unknown and pave a path for the future of whiskey. The Outpost Range whiskeys are our most terroir-driven expressions in this realm. The Westland Outpost Range whiskeys (Garryana, Colere, and Solum) explore the unknown in oak, barley, and peat respectively.

It began with an idea: create a whiskey that reflects the place which we call home. The Pacific Northwest quickly proved itself as a gold mine for raw ingredients and set in an ideal climate for producing Single Malt whiskey, which traditionally comes from Scotland and Ireland. Each Outpost Range expression marks another step on the trail—another reminder of how far we’ve come and what may lie ahead.

Solum, the final act of the Outpost Range series, made its debut in 2023, seven years after the first distillation of Washington Peated Malt at our distillery. In our early years, the supply chain for Peated malt in Washington did not exist—so we leaned into relationships with local farmers and maltsters to make together what none of us could do alone, and eventually, the first ever American Peated Malt was born.

The peat of Washington State has entirely different botanicals and microorganisms than the bogs of Scotland and Ireland. It was with wide eyes that we pondered the possibilities of the flavors that lie therein for our own Peated malt. The first two expressions have proven themselves entirely different than traditional Peated whiskeys: our Washington Peated spirits are notably more herbal than the Northern European counterparts. As it goes for us, flora like sphagnum moss and Labrador tea impart a wildflower undertone to the barley in the malting process, which makes for a much more delicate spirit.

Edition 3 of Solum will make its mark as the others did before: breaking down the conventions of what came before, and introducing something entirely new to the world of whiskey. The whiskey itself, aged in New American Oak and refill Westland casks, gives the it a backbone of vanilla and caramel that interplays with the menthol and candied ginger quality of the spirit therein. 

Solum Edition 3 made its debut at our distillery on January 19th to a select crowd of Seattle attendees who visited our space for a special symposium and tasting. Our Master Distiller Tyler Pederson and Master Blender Shane Armstrong sat for an open conversation and tasting with our Distillery Education Ambassador Jenna Sagmoen. The three of them led guests through a bespoke whiskey tasting: four different single casks from our rackhouses that show the versatility of Washington Peated spirit, as well as the coming-soon Solum Edition 3.

The tasting was met with wonder and curiosity, as our guests tasted and experienced the evolution of our Peat exploration. Solum Edition 3, sitting at a minimum of 4 years old, speaks true to Westland as the Pacific Northwest Original, and its herbal tones are emblematic of the cold and dark winter months.

Solum Edition 3 will soon hit shelves around the world, and at the distillery on February 8th, we will throw a celebration-style party to introduce our newest release and our ongoing exploration of whiskey.

As always, it is not alone that we can pave our path forward, but the friends we find along the way who help us move along. We are forever grateful for the people who have believed in Westland, who have chosen to keep a trusty bottle at their home bar or to gift a bottle of our thoughtfully made whiskey to a loved one. It is with gratitude that we are able to continue filling barrels and bottles to share with you. So, thank you. This newest release is made possible by you and for you. If you’re ever near our distillery in Seattle, please come visit us for a distillery tour or for one of our events. And, wherever this message may find you, we hope you join us along for the journey ahead by signing up for our email list or on our social media channels.