Seattle Distillery Wins Fans and Awards with Washington Ingredients

Westland Distillery bets on local barley, oak, and innovation to craft acclaimed American single malt whiskey.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a glass bottle of Westland single malt whiskey, a handful of locally-grown barley grains, and a piece of Garry oak wood, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting.Westland Distillery's commitment to local, sustainable sourcing is reflected in the premium materials used to craft its acclaimed American single malt whiskey.Seattle Today

Westland Distillery, founded in 2011 in Seattle, has become a leading producer of award-winning American single malt whiskey by embracing the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest. The distillery uses locally-sourced ingredients like Washington-grown barley and native Garry oak to craft distinctive spirits that have earned global recognition, defying skepticism from traditional Scotch whisky makers.

Why it matters

Westland's success highlights the growing prominence of American single malt whiskey as a distinct category, as well as the importance of local, sustainable sourcing in the craft spirits industry. The distillery's commitment to innovation and partnership with regional farmers demonstrates how a focus on place and community can yield world-class products.

The details

When Westland founders Matt Hofmann and Emerson Lamb told Scottish whisky makers they planned to use new American oak barrels to age their single malt, they were laughed at. But Westland has proven the skeptics wrong, racking up awards and acclaim for its unique, terroir-driven spirits. The distillery sources many of its ingredients, from barley to oak, from the Pacific Northwest, working closely with local farmers to trial new varieties and optimize the flavors of the region. This includes an organic farm in the Skagit Valley that serves as a testing ground for experimental barley strains. Westland also utilizes the rare Garry oak, native to the Northwest, to age some of its most acclaimed whiskies. The distillery was acquired by Rémy Cointreau in 2017, but has maintained its local identity and commitment to sustainability.

  • Westland Distillery was founded in 2011.
  • Hofmann and Lamb left the company in 2015 and 2023, respectively.
  • Westland was acquired by Rémy Cointreau in 2017.
  • In 2020, Westland purchased 80 acres in the Skagit Valley, reserving 20 acres for barrel warehouses and dedicating the remaining 60 acres to an organic farm for trialing new barley varieties.

The players

Westland Distillery

An American single malt whiskey distillery founded in Seattle in 2011, known for its innovative use of local ingredients and commitment to sustainability.

Matt Hofmann

One of the co-founders of Westland Distillery, who left the company in 2015.

Emerson Lamb

One of the co-founders of Westland Distillery, who left the company in 2023.

Tyler Pederson

The master distiller at Westland Distillery.

Jason Moore

The president of Westland Distillery.

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What they’re saying

“When Matt (Hofmann) and Emerson (Lamb) founded this company, they went to Scotland, and they were telling folks they were going to start a single malt distillery, and they got some good nods. Then they mentioned they were going to be aging this spirit in new American oak … and they were laughed at.”

— Tyler Pederson, Master Distiller, Westland Distillery

“We have unique barley. Unique species of oak that create amazing, unique flavors in the whiskey. You also have peat that is sourceable in the area. Think about all of what's known in flavor for traditional single malt whiskey - rich sweetness and peaty smoke from fresh ingredients like malted barley and oak - all of it's true within 50 to 100 miles of Seattle.”

— Jason Moore, President, Westland Distillery

“I said we're interested in a race to the top, and he said, 'That's exactly what we're about,' and eight, 10 years later - that's it.”

— Dave Hedlin, Co-owner, Hedlin Farms

What’s next

Westland plans to continue expanding its organic farm in the Skagit Valley, trialing new barley varieties and exploring other innovative ways to showcase the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest in its award-winning single malt whiskey.

The takeaway

Westland Distillery's success in crafting world-class American single malt whiskey by embracing local ingredients and sustainability demonstrates the growing prominence of terroir-driven spirits. The distillery's commitment to innovation and partnership with regional farmers serves as a model for the craft spirits industry.