As the home of Westland Distillery, the Seattle Tacoma-International Airport opening marks a key milestone for Westland in the duty-free channel.
A trailblazer within the category, Westland’s award-winning whiskies are distilled in Seattle’s SoDo neighbourhood, where visitors to the Distillery can also enjoy tastings and tours. As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery welcomes the official recognition (announced last year) of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey, and establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.
Westland American Single Malt Whiskey made its global travel retail debut last year in collaboration with International Shoppes at New York JFK T1 and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Terminal D, followed by further openings at JFK T4 and San Francisco and Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), in partnership with DFS Group.
A new partnership with Holland America
In an exciting new development, Westland has partnered with Holland America Line to secure its debut cruise listing, starting with the company’s Alaskan itinerary. In 2024, Westland Distillery was proud to obtain B Corp Certification, which demands adhering to the highest levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency and accounting.
Westland’s commitment to sustainability is inherent in its core philosophy and strategic business model, both of which honour land, heritage and patience. The brand’s sustainable practices were a key factor in its selection by Holland America, which also strives to offer passengers high-quality, locally produced spirits.
A unique Westland Single Cask bottling will be available to purchase on the cruise company’s Alaskan routes, alongside Westland Flagship. A second, exclusive Single Cask whiskey will be available on all of Holland America’s Caribbean ships. Furthermore, to celebrate this new partnership, renowned bartender Sam Ross – inventor of the famous Penicillin cocktail – has updated his signature whisky sour recipe to include Westland whiskey. The PNW Penicillin will be available for passengers onboard.
Elsewhere in US travel retail, at present the product focus is centred around Westland Flagship, a DFS-exclusive Single Cask and Colere 4, in line with the brand’s vision to delight travellers as they explore new possibilities within the malt whiskey category.
Westland Managing Director Jason Moore commented: “Westland is thrilled to launch its American Single Malt in Seattle Tacoma-International Airport, and onboard Holland America, allowing for more people globally to savour the iconic whiskey. We are excited to embark on this journey of delivering exceptional spirits to more discerning customers worldwide, setting a new standard for the duty-free shopping experience.”
Founded in 2010 and acquired by Rémy Cointreau in 2017, Seattle’s Westland Distillery redefines the world of single malt whiskey with its unique American voice. Westland explores possibilities that have been ignored for generations, reflecting the distinct qualities of the Pacific Northwest while honouring centuries-old whiskey-making traditions.
The flagship Westland Single Malt is the culmination of over 10 years pioneering a new category of whiskey that has put America on the global stage. All of Westland’s expressions are distilled at the Seattle distillery from 100% malted barley, fermented with Belgian Saison brewer’s yeast, and matured in various cask types, including new American oak, ex-Bourbon, and ex-Sherry. Westland’s approach includes the use of roasted malts and Belgian brewer’s yeast to create a truly distinctive whiskey.
