Nose: Softly malty, shortbread, light fruity aromas, a slightly tingly sweetness like pineapple. Maybe a touch of brine but I did not detect much of a “sea” influence at all. It’s certainly not what I would call “briny” - in fact it’s more “earthy”. It’s an honest, light and well-balanced nose. Palate: Light, sweet malt right from the first drops. Soft and honeyish (but not syrupy) with a creamy texture. The fruity notes from the nose are detected again and there is just a soupçon of brine in the palate (but blink and you will miss it). A hint of pepper flits about the proceedings. Finish: Short. Rather nondescript, really – the palate just fades out, but there is nothing unpleasant. Oh! right at the very end – there’s the brine. Pleasant, clean, straightforward and enjoyable. A decent everyday malt with an age statement and a fair price. This is positioned in competition against blended scotches, and it succeeds in that role. The texture is a little thin but there is really nothing to criticize here. Good session drinking, a good mixer, easy on the pocket and recommended at the price. I was introduced to the Aerstone Land Cask (the peaty version of this) a while ago by a friend who said it was better than the Sea Cask, but having now tasted both I beg to differ. They are absolutely equivalent IMHO, differing only in the presence of smoke in the other expression. The official rating is a bit on the optimistic side, IMHO. Tasted at the Sydney Whisky Show, 15th May 2021 (my whiskey tasting #6) “Average” : 75/100 (2.5 stars)