A rare and audacious liquor heist has left whiskey enthusiasts stunned after thieves posing as legitimate truck drivers stole Ksh129.5 million worth of craft whiskey in Washington, United States. The criminals managed to drive away with nearly 12,000 bottles, including a highly coveted 10-year-old Garryana edition, representing almost half of the distillery’s stock that took over a decade to produce.
The incident occurred on July 31, when a freight truck arrived at the distillery’s warehouse in Burlington carrying what appeared to be valid paperwork authorizing the pickup of a shipment. The load, which included Westland single malt, Watchpost blended, and Garryana whiskey, was supposed to be delivered to New Jersey. However, the consignment never reached its destination, and the fraudulent scheme was only discovered a week later.
What makes this theft particularly significant is the rarity of the Garryana whiskey. Crafted from locally sourced ingredients and aged in casks made from the Quercus garryana oak tree native to the Pacific Northwest, the bottle is considered an exceptional release in the craft whiskey world. The 10th anniversary edition was irreplaceable, making the loss especially painful for the distillery.
Experts note that selling the stolen stock will not be easy. The Garryana bottles are highly recognizable and widely known within the whiskey community, making them difficult to move discreetly. Unlike in Europe, where auction houses provide a secondary market for rare liquors, U.S. alcohol distribution laws limit resale opportunities. This creates an additional barrier for thieves hoping to profit from the heist.
Despite the setback, the distillery remains resilient. The brand has taken steps to enhance supply chain security and is focusing on continuing to serve loyal customers. With global recognition and backing from a major international spirits group, the company is expected to weather the financial impact of the theft.
The heist has nevertheless heightened concerns about fraudulent carrier schemes targeting high-value goods. Authorities are urging collectors and enthusiasts to remain vigilant and avoid any suspicious offers of discounted or bulk whiskey sales. With Garryana bottles already scarce and in high demand, any attempt to sell large quantities outside official distributors should raise immediate red flags.
For whiskey fans eager to enjoy Westland’s acclaimed products, the safest route remains the legal supply chain. Given the rarity of the stolen batch, anyone offered a suspicious deal on Westland whiskey is advised to alert the authorities immediately.
