Westland Distillery: Sold!

By Susannah Skiver Barton

Westland Master Distiller Matt Hofmann

News broke this morning that international drinks conglomerate Rémy Cointreau has signed an agreement to acquire Seattle’s Westland distillery for an undisclosed sum. The deal will likely close by the end of the year. Paris-based Rémy Cointreau is best known for its namesake cognac and liqueur brands, but whisky lovers will remember its purchase of Islay’s Bruichladdich distillery in 2012. And particularly clever observers will note the similarities between Westland and Bruichladdich. Both producers tout the importance of terroir in whisky, using different varieties of barley and unusual types of oak casks...