T is a fan of whiskey (thanks to my Dad for teaching him an appreciation of finer spirits), so for Christmas I gifted him a tour and tasting at Westland Distillery.
Pro gifting tip? "Experiences" like tours are naturally zero-waste.
Now, even if you don't like liquor, distillery tours can still be quite interesting, from a science or manufacturing perspective.
We were treated to a great history of the company, their processes and facilities, including this still, which is one of later steps in production.
Of course, what I was most interested in was all the ways Westland focuses on circularity. (If circularity is a new term for you, it's sort of what it sounds like: finding ways to keep production materials in circulation for as long as possible. This includes activities like reuse, recycle, rent, and so on.)
For example, Westland starts with as much local materials as they can, including local barley and local peat. In fact, barley was chosen due to its ability to be sourced locally, vs other whiskey crops like corn. When you first walk into the shop, the first smell you get is a rich grain smell. At first, I couldn't place it, but as part of our tour, we had the opportunity to sniff multiple varietals of barley, and sure enough, that's what caused that amazing, bread-y fragrance that surrounded us.
In the whiskey-making process, there are several steps, including germinating then drying the grain, then mashing it. Post-mash, Westland sends the spent barley to a farm in Enumclaw for some happy cows to enjoy. I just picture them like my cat and dog, who normally get dry kibble, so then wet food is such a treat. I don't know what breed those cows are, but this is what I imagine:
Further into the process, Westland recognized that C02 is a natural byproduct of fermentation. They saw the value in this as not just a waste product, but a resource. So they became the first distillery to use a recapture tank for the C02, which then they resell to other industries. This type of project is a great way to demonstrate how sustainability doesn't need to be more expensive - in fact, it can be a way to generate new income streams or recoup cost. Finally, they participate in barrel exchange with local breweries. If you ever see sherry cask aged whiskey or whiskey barrel aged maple syrup, you're already used to this concept. By exchanging barrels, different beverages can impart different flavors into the end product, and those barrels get an additional use. With the craft beverage movement in full swing, this is a great way to create those unique flavors.
These concepts are just a few examples of how Westland's beverages are "Thoughtfully Made". If you want to learn more about their sustainability efforts, check out their website here.
As for you, I hope you're inspired by some of these creative approaches, and seek our businesses like this to support.
