Time for another dram!
Aerstone Sea Cask is a 10-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky with quite a unique taste. I genuinely don't think I've tried a similar whisky before. I expected the 'Sea Cask' to have an impact on the notes, I just didn't know how much that would weigh overall.
I think there is truly a lot of saltiness involved in the taste of this easy-to-drink whisky and that's surprisingly a good thing.
A bit about
Matured right by the sea, on the Ayrshire Coast of Scotland, Aerstone Sea Cask is a product of William Grant and Sons, who also make Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Monkey Shoulder. It was launched in the UK in 2018 alongside Aerstone Land Cask.
Aerstone Sea Cask
Time to try it!
With 40% ABV, it has a beautiful gold colour and a smooth, slightly salty taste (in my humble opinion). It's a bit strong on the nose but soft as you sip, releasing the vanilla, toffee and some nutty notes. The saltiness lingers in the slightly short finish, reminding me of salted caramel biscuits. I couldn't detect any smokiness (which is usually a plus for me)
When I say salty, I don't want you to think you're drinking salt water, the Arerstone is honestly a very drinkable whisky. I'm just saying that, for a whisky, the saltiness really stands out to me and it's surprisingly (at least to me) pleasant.
It goes well with an ice cube or a drop of water but I wouldn't add more than that. I'm not in the habit of adding mixers to my whisky, but I will try this one with ginger ale as I think it would pair quite well.
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In conclusion
For around £30 on most UK websites, I think it's an interesting dram to try. It's super easy to drink (the 'Smooth and Easy' on the label is quite true) and I think it would go great in some cocktails.
Although I'm not particularly fond of highly smokey/peaty whiskies I am looking forward to trying the Aerstone Land Cask - which being 'Rich and Smokey' seems to be somehow the opposite of The Sea Cask.
If you want to give this one a go, you can find it here.
If you've ever tried the Aerstone, please let me know in the comments below what you think of it, or, if you find this post useful or entertaining, please click on the little heart below, nothing bizarre will happen, but it will make my day a bit brighter.
I'm not an expert in any way (probably obvious for some) but I do offer my honest opinion and I try and describe as accurately as I can the whiskies I try.
As always, please drink responsibly.
I hope life is treating you well.
Take care