William Grant & Sons recently announced the US launch of two 10-year-old single malt Scotch whiskies under the name Aerstone. The brand focuses on the impact of maturation and malting on flavor and is available as Sea Cask 10 Year Old and Land Cask 10 Year Old. This new range aims to simplify the taste messaging of the single malt category and help new single malt drinkers navigate flavors easily through clear taste descriptors on the bottle and corresponding packaging.

Sea Cask, described as ‘smooth and easy’ on the packaging, is a classic Speyside-style single malt. This whisky develops its character from the time spent aging in warehouses located close to the sea on the Ayrshire coast, giving the whisky a subtle salty note on the finish.

Land Cask, on the other hand, is described as ‘rich and smoky’ and is a peated single malt using highland peat in the malting. This whisky’s flavors are developed in warehouses located further inland, allowing the smoky notes to shine through.

“We have developed two very different and evocative flavor profiles under the one brand, both inspired by the Scottish environment and raw elements where we age our whisky, added Brian Kinsman, Master Blender at William Grant & Sons. “With a 10 year age statement, people can expect a well-rounded single malt whisky with depth of flavors that will intrigue not only new drinkers, but also more experienced single malt enthusiasts.”

Aerstone Sea Cask (80 proof)
Visual: Medium gold.
Nose: Lightly peated, sweet honey tones, warm barley, oak stave and slight salinity.
Taste: Very smooth and easy going. Very little peat, but a nice amount of cask flavor. The somewhat briny aftertaste cleanses the palate.
Finish: Medium long. A simultaneous fade from each of the elements of flavor.
Overall: Very much in the Speyside character, this is a great entry level whisky for anyone interested in trying Scotch.
GSN Rating: B+

Aerstone Land Cask (80 proof)
Visual: Medium gold.
Nose: A peat-laden nose with an aggressive aroma of smoke overlaying a softer malt base.
Taste: Immediate smoke and creosote profile. Not as intense as an Islay style, but plenty to wake up your palate. A minute later, the smoke clears and there is a warm and friendly malt whisky awaiting you at the end of the race.
Finish: Medium long. The smokiness leads the way, letting the well aged malt finish the job.
Overall: A definite bookend to the Sea Cask, this is a whisky for those wanting a deeper experience. Really nice served on a single large cube of ice.
GSN Rating: B+

For more information go to: Aerstone Scotch Whisky