Aerstone Land Cask 10 Year

Review #010 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 10 years, cask types not defined Tasted after: Aerstone Sea Cask 10 Year Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 12/20 Not a lot going on here, campfire smoke, chalk, some hay, and maybe a little lemon citrus Palate: 30/40 Pretty mild and sweet on the palate, gentle smoke, cereal, honey, and lemon. Great combination of flavors without the harsh ethanol burn I’d typically expect from a whisky at this price point, but none of the flavors manage to pop. Finish: 32/40 Surprisingly long, mostly it’s highlighted by intensifying smoke, introduces some clove spice, and the lingering taste in my mouth is of black licorice. With Water: A drop of water kicks the finish up a notch, a little extra spice, and an underlying subtle salt profile that wasn’t there prior. Total: 74/100 Final thoughts: Rolled the dice on this bottle, for the price it seemed worth the risk, and while it’s very easy to drink and I don’t regret buying it, it’s also unfortunately unremarkable. Price: $25 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

One of those distilleries you've never heard of but prove to be enjoyable.

Great spirit for the price. I have had both land and sea cask. Both are at the top of my list in this price point.