The saga continues with Garryana: Episode V – The Oak Strikes Back.
Straight from the Pacific Northwest and brewed with more forest drama than a squirrel soap opera, this American single malt showcases the mysterious, brooding Quercus garryana, better known as Garry oak—a tree so rare it probably requires a secret handshake to approach.
In this edition, Garry shares the spotlight with his more extroverted cousin, Quercus alba (aka white oak), showing up in 64% first-fill ex-bourbon casks, because someone has to bring the mainstream charm. Garry oak, in his typical brooding fashion, makes up 36% of the cask recipe, contributing depth, intensity, and possibly a few dark secrets.
Only 5,625 bottles were released, because Garry doesn’t do mass production. He does limited engagement.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Smells like someone melted honey into hot chocolate, served it in a log cabin, then spritzed lemon zest into the air like a woodland aromatherapist.
Palate: Starts out with a mysterious meaty smoke—like someone grilled a brisket in a forest—and slowly unfolds into stone fruit, baking spice, and the sneaky suspicion that this whiskey is judging your palate (politely).
Finish: A warm trail of clove, caraway, and toffee lingers like the final note in a campfire folk song. Smooth, spicy, and just cryptic enough to keep you thinking, “Should I buy a second bottle… for research?”
In short: It’s smoky, spicy, fruity, and oaky.
Garry doesn’t speak much—but when he does, you listen.
