Aerstone Land Cask Aged 10 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Volume: 700ml ABV: 40% Age: 10 Years Old Country: Scotland
The Whisky
Aerstone Land Cask Aged 10 Years is a distinctive single malt designed to showcase the impact of maturation environment on flavour. While its sibling, the “Sea Cask,” matures in coastal warehouses, the Land Cask is aged in inland warehouses in south Ayrshire. This inland maturation, combined with the use of Highland peat, creates a whisky that is firm, smoky, and earthy. Matured for a full decade and bottled at 40.0% ABV, it offers an accessible entry point into the world of peated Scotch, focusing on a balanced, “land-inspired” smokiness rather than the medicinal intensity of Islay malts.
Our Tasting Notes
The nose is rich and punchy, leading with aromas of earthy peat smoke, damp bonfire wood, and a subtle hint of dried herbs, all balanced by a backdrop of creamy vanilla. On the palate, the whisky is well structured and coating, delivering flavours of toasted almonds, sweet honey, and lingering wood spice. The peat influence is consistent throughout, providing a savoury, smoky depth that complements the malty sweetness of the spirit. The finish is long and satisfying, concluding with a final flourish of smoky embers and a lingering, spicy oak warmth.
The Master Blender
The Aerstone range is a creation of Brian Kinsman, the acclaimed Master Blender for William Grant & Sons. Brian’s goal with the Land Cask was to simplify the complex language of whisky by focusing on clear flavour profiles. By carefully selecting Highland peated malts and managing their maturation in specific inland conditions, he has crafted a 10 year old expression that clearly communicates its “smoky” character while maintaining the high standards of quality and consistency for which his blending team is known.
The Distillery
Aerstone is produced at the Ailsa Bay Distillery, a highly technologically advanced site located within the Girvan distillery complex in Ayrshire. Ailsa Bay is unique in its ability to precisely control the “phenol” (smoke) levels in its spirit, allowing for the creation of various styles ranging from delicate and sweet to heavily peated. The Land Cask represents the distillery’s mastery of the smoky Highland style, offering a sophisticated alternative to coastal whiskies by focusing on the rich, atmospheric influence of the inland Scottish landscape.
