Aerstone 10 Years Old Land Cask (40%, OB, 2018)

• ABV: 40%
• Age: 10 Years Old
• Bottling: William Grant & Sons
• Category: single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £20
• Origin: undisclosed
• Vintage: Undeclared

What they say

Further inland… These whiskies hero the use of highland peat and are therefore rich and smoky in character.

Aerstone showcases two distinctive styles of single malt scotch whisky which are clearly defined by their taste profile on the bottle and pack.

Rich & Smoky or Smooth & Easy, you choose – sip, savour and enjoy!

Skilfully crafted, drink responsibly.

Official tasting notes:

• Nose: Rich and punchy peat with layers of coal tar and damp bonfire smoke – punctuated with vibrant, zesty citrus notes.
• Taste: The initial rush of peat and wood smoke is followed by a gentle sweetness. Hints of spice and ripe fruits enveloped in smoke.
• Finish: Long lasting smokiness

What I say

Sampled during the Aerstone tweet tasting on 22nd May 2019 hosted by The Whisky Wire

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Amber gold (10/20), medium rounded droplet tears, thin legs.
• Nose: Dry, dusty, peat smoke, sweet, milled barley, some fruit, apple, pear, flint, farmyard, slightly fermented hay, yeast/dough, treacle tarts.
• Taste: Honey, fruit, apple, pear, peach, applemint, spiced cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper with a hint of treacle.
• Finish: Long, treacle tarts and peppery coal-tar soap,

Overall

An interesting expression with potential, however this still feels a little rough around the edges and reminded me of some not so savoury HP expressions I have sampled in the past where the peat influence is too dry and over-dominant. For an entry-level (£20) supermarket whisky this carries a lot more flavours than most – vanilla this certainly isn’t!

Score 81/100

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