Time for another Dram!
A Lowland, rich and smokey Single Malt Scotch Whiskey matured for over 10 years.
A bit about
After trying the Aerstone Sea Cask, I had to try the Land Cask, even though smoky/peated whisky isn't something I go out of my way to look for.
It has 40% ABV, and unlike the Sea Cask which is matured closer to the sea, the Land Cask is matured in warehouses further away from the coast.
The Aerstone Land Cask 10 won Gold in 2022 at the International Spirits Challenge in the 'Single Malts up to 12 years old' category. It is produced in Girvan, Ayrshire by William Grant and Sons, the same company which makes Tullamore DEW, Monkey Shoulder, Glenfiddich and Grants.
Aerstone Land Cask 10
Time to try it
Nose: Highly peated with a hint of citrus and traces of vanilla
Taste: Surprisingly sweet with raisins and brown sugar coming through the rich peatiness
Finish: Long and somehow pleasantly smoky.
Pros and cons
Compared to some of the other peated whiskies I've tried, this one is quite palatable, especially with a drop or two of ice-cold water.
The strong peat smell will fill the room the second you open the bottle, so if you're enjoying this dram in the company of non-peated-whiskies enthusiasts, you might want to warn them.
Pairing the Aerstone Land Cask with a few pieces of dark chocolate makes it even more enjoyable.
In conclusion
As with the Sea Cask, the Land Cask is exactly what it says on the label - rich and smokey.
Compared to its 'Smooth and Easy' counterpart, I think it lacks a few levels of complexity which would have made this whisky even more pleasant.
If you're a peated whisky fan then you will probably enjoy this one more than I have.
Since I'm trying to be as honest as I can in my reviews I also have to acknowledge that I do have a preference for less peated (or non-peated) whiskies and will be slightly biased when it comes to them.
The Aerstone Land Cask is priced at around £25-30 on most UK websites.
As always, please drink responsibly.
If you like this little review please click on the little heart below and if you've tried this whisky, I would love to hear what you think of it, in the comments below.
I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.