Aerstone Land Cask 10 Year

While some peat and smoke, it is not over powering. Fairly easy to drink, if you pay attention there are some hidden subtleties….may need a second taste. For its price point, it is a very good value.

A deep straw that looks surprisingly oily with a swirl. Pedestrian nose, nothing jumps out. Gentle simple syrup, a freshly snapped green bean, hay - maybe a hint of orange. A burning grassland smoke makes a slow and subtle takeover toward the end. Some loam and chalk. Appreciating the nose a bit more than I did at first, but still ok at best. Starts very unassertive without much sweetness. Builds into a gentle vegetal spice which lingers pleasantly while the peat slowly rolls in like fog in the valley. Lemon oil. Earth. Some sips flash a bit sweeter, but only noticeable given the usual absence. This one is a bit perplexing. Mild and unassuming but competently crafted. Unremarkable yet lacks defects. I find myself reaching for this more than expected: a sessionable peated dram. The lack of sweetness without being “dry” or “tannic” is both the biggest oddity and most compelling facet because it feels like a rarity. 80 proof feels correct - it hasn’t got the DNA to be a complex flavor bomb… just a really decent option for an any-day sipper. At $30 MSRP it’s a reasonable value - I don’t think there is any competition that does peat this well. I saw this on sale at Total Wine for $23 and should have bought a case in hindsight - it’s just nice to have on hand.

Smoky, leather, sneakers, bbq, smooth and delicious

Smell, taste and aftertaste all in line including a peated smokey and slightly sweet elements.

Complex