Atom Brands (who own Boutique-y Whisky and Master of Malt) launched a new brand called The Character of Islay Whisky Company, which will focus on Islay whisky.
The first release is Aerolite Lyndsay, an anagram of the words ten year old Islay. It is a 10 year old single malt, distilled at an undisclosed distillery. The whisky is a mixture of 70% bourbon barrels, 25% Spanish oak sherry quarter casks and 5% ‘mystery’ casks.
Aerolite Lyndsay 10 yo (46%, The Character of Islay Whisky Co 2019)
Nose: very coastal, with a chalky minerality and iodine, as well as hints of gherkins. Fresh lemons and sour apple juice. Bicycle inner tubes. Notes of sweet paprika powder. Hints of tequila as well. Uncomplicated but quintessential Islay.
Mouth: very forthcoming again, with medicinal and coastal notes on the one hand (tar, bandages, mercurochrome, as well as kippers and brine) and a light lemon sweetness to balance it. Grapefruits, almond oil, olive juice. Hints of gravel and chalk.
Finish: medium, fairly dry and ashy. Some minty oak.
Aerolite Lyndsay focuses on heavy coastal notes and briney smoke, mostly shaped by the bourbon wood. Nothing exceptional but a perfectly decent daily dram. At around € 50, pretty good value for money. Available from Master of Malt, later from other retailers as well.