Review #74 Aerstone Sea Cask 10yr: Scotch

Score: 8.0 / 10

Distillery: Ailsa Bay

Type: Speyside Style Single Malt Scotch

Aerstone scotch is hitting the shelves in mass these days. However, there is a little rumor going on that the distributor that handles this is lately trying to move product. Why does that matter to a store?? Well they also happen to distribute Old Forester products.... (meaning more Birthday Bourbon allocations). One of the most coveted allocated whiskeys!

Anyway enough about that. What about this whiskey specifically? The juice itself is a Speyside style scotch though the Ailsa distillery is not located in the region. This is part of the Sea Cask and Land Cask Duo. However, it is definitely not matured in the sea, just a warehouse by the sea. So Land Cask and more Inland Cask? You be the judge over which one prevails!

Whiskey Review:

Nose: White wine, green grapes, light honey and pear. A touch of cinnamon spice and barnyard hay.

Palate: The mouthfeel is much thicker than expected. Plum accosts the palate first while sour fruit with lemon and lime bubble underneath (mouthfeel at this point almost becomes carbonated). Surprising spiced oak ramps up on the back-end.

Finish: Tangy apple and cinnamon sizzle on the center of the palate for a while. Mild tannins slowly dry out the mouth leaving toasted oak and light brine sensation.

Score: 8.0

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common. Also, commonly on sale, so look for that. Many stores are looking to move this solely to get more allocated whiskey from the distributor.

Overall, this feels a bit watery and I'm not the biggest fan. However, there is nothing offense here to turn someone away from the product itself.