ENDANGERED OAKGiven the critical role wood plays in the production of spirits, protecting trees has become a common focal point. It’s also a good example of how spirits makers are becoming more ecologically aware. “Our interest in Garry Oak was initially a purely whiskey-focused one,” said Westland co-founder and Master Distiller Matt Hofmann. The distillery’s Garry Oak Project with land conservationist organization Forterra involves planting new trees throughout Washington state while protecting existing stands. As Maker’s Mark’s Environmental Champion (his real title), he conceded that the high climate cost of shipping spirits is something that — for now — can’t be avoided.
