A bold heist has hit a Seattle-area craft distillery, with thieves making off with $1 million worth of rare whiskey, including the limited-edition Garryana 10-year-old. The audacious theft involved false documentation and a large truck filled with prized bottles.
The culprits arrived at Westland Distillery in Washington State armed with counterfeit paperwork, claiming to be authorized to collect 12,000 bottles of various whiskeys, including Westland’s acclaimed single malt and the coveted Garryana, intended for New Jersey.
Jason Moore, managing director of Westland, which is owned by Remy Cointreau, noted that the theft went unnoticed for about a week. However, selling the stolen whiskey may prove challenging for the thieves, particularly the Garryana, which is highly sought after by enthusiasts and known as the first 10-year-old whiskey produced during the craft distilling boom, available only through limited releases.
Westland’s unique production methods utilize locally sourced grains and peat, along with specific yeast strains, contributing to the distinct characteristics of their spirits. America’s strict three-tier alcohol sales system requires distillers to sell to distributors or wholesalers, who then supply retailers. While many states have a public purchasing and retail monopoly, New Jersey does not. Nevertheless, attempting to sell the stolen whiskey in the secondary market could expose the thieves to detection.
Garryana typically sells out each year, and with 3,000 of this year’s 7,500-bottle release already gone, demand in the secondary market is likely to surge due to the theft. The sixth edition of the 50% Garryana is currently listed by some U.S. retailers for up to $200 per 750ml bottle.
