Aerolite Lyndsay is a concentrate of Islay: single malt, 10 years old, with a retro feel and an intensely peaty, salty character. A blend of bourbon casks and quarter casks containing sherry wine, the distillate’s smoky, tart, oily character is enriched by notes of sweet spices, eucalyptus and coconut. The identity of the famous distillery behind this vintage bottling is only revealed on tasting.
Tasting note
Nose
Well-fruited nose of apple, pear, stewed grapes and candied cherry. The almond is also present, but caramelized. The profile is fine and the woodiness delicate. The occasional whiff of alcohol is still noticeable.
Palate
The fruitiness on the nose is more intense than on the palate. The apples and pears are rather macerated in brandy, but they give way to the woodiness, which brings a distinct bitterness to the finish. At times, almonds creep into the tasting, accompanied by a touch of sweetness as on the nose.
Overall
Long, accomplished. Finely chocolaty, it is also rancid (cherry brandy, apricot liqueur). It evokes the harvesters’ baskets filled with golden bunches of the folle blanche grape variety. Retro olfaction oscillates between prune, vanilla and dark chocolate. The empty glass is roasted (tobacco, coffee).