Westland is a leader in the American single malt scene, and this whiskey is a step forward for the style. For its wine cask finish, Westland uses cabernet sauvignon, syrah, petit verdot, red blend, and tempranillo casks to create new depth. The nose is jammy with blackberries, raspberries, and baked apples. Grain sweetness and banana bread emerge with time. The sip shows apples, pecans, apricots, buttered popcorn, and vanilla malt. On the finish, there’s tea tannins, cherry cough drops, and chocolate. —Shane English