Imagine wandering through the labyrinthine aisles of your favorite liquor store, where bottles stand like silent sentinels, each one vying for your attention with tales of ancient distilleries and secret recipes. Amidst this crowd, a bottle catches your eye—not with a roar, but with a whisper of intrigue. Its name? Aerolite Lyndsay. With retro aesthetics that flirt with nostalgia and a title that practically dares you to unravel its mystery, this whisky doesn't just demand attention—it captivates it.
The name alone is enough to spark curiosity, like the beginning of a good riddle. But here’s the twist: Aerolite Lyndsay isn’t just a catchy phrase plucked from the ether; it’s an anagram—a playful puzzle that rearranges itself into "a ten year old Islay." This isn’t just clever branding; it’s a nod to the whisky’s essence, an invitation to appreciate the liquid for what it is, unburdened by the usual myths and legends.
It’s as if the bottle is saying, “Let’s skip the pleasantries and get straight to the good stuff.”
Behind this cleverly disguised enigma stands The Character of Islay Whisky Company, a brainchild of the mavericks at Atom Brands. These are the same folks who brought you the irreverent That Boutique-y Whisky Company, where labels are as much a canvas for satire as they are for art. But with Aerolite Lyndsay, the artistry lies in its restraint—a deliberate choice to let the whisky do the talking, with a wink and a nudge towards those who appreciate a good inside joke.
The liquid inside is just as intriguing as the name on the bottle. Aerolite Lyndsay is a ten-year-old Islay single malt, its origins cloaked in mystery like a fog rolling off the Scottish coast. The distillery remains unnamed, adding an extra layer of allure, but what we do know is that this whisky has been aged in a medley of ex-bourbon barrels, Spanish oak sherry casks, and a few other undisclosed vessels of flavor. The result is a spirit that’s as complex and layered as the island it hails from, clocking in at a robust 46% ABV—just enough to make you sit up and take notice.
Pour a dram, and you’re greeted by a nose that’s like a sea breeze carried on the wings of a smoky dragon. It’s the smell of Islay itself, distilled and bottled—maritime peat mingles with the briny tang of the ocean, while a medicinal note of iodine lurks in the background, like an old ship’s doctor waiting in the wings. But there’s more: a hint of green apples, crisp and tart, dances with the earthy spice of paprika and the comforting scent of well-worn leather. It’s a sensory journey, each aroma weaving into the next like a finely spun tapestry.
Take a sip, and the palate unfolds like a story well told. The initial hit is all about that coastal smokiness—think bonfires on the beach, with a hint of tar and salt lingering on the breeze. But just as you’re settling into this maritime reverie, the whisky takes a turn, revealing a syrupy sweetness that’s kissed with lemony zest. It’s a delightful twist, like finding a hidden cove along a rugged shoreline. And just when you think you’ve tasted it all, dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes emerge, adding depth and richness that round out the experience like the final, satisfying chapter of a novel.
The finish is a fitting finale—a crescendo of sweet fruits and burnt toffee that fades into a lingering phenolic peatiness. It’s like the last ember of a fire, glowing faintly in the dark, leaving you with a warm, smoky memory that beckons you back for more. It might not be the longest finish you’ve ever encountered, but it does its job with elegance, leaving just enough behind to make you reach for another pour.
In essence, Aerolite Lyndsay is more than just a whisky; it’s a love letter to Islay, wrapped in a puzzle and sealed with a smoky kiss. It’s a dram that doesn’t just celebrate the iconic flavors of the island, but elevates them, blending the familiar with the unexpected in a way that’s both playful and profound.
As we sip on this delightful enigma, we can’t help but wonder what The Character of Islay Whisky Company will conjure up next. If Aerolite Lyndsay is any indication, the future is bright—and smoky, and a little bit salty, just the way we like it. So here’s to the mysteries yet to be unraveled, and the drams yet to be savored. After all, in the world of whisky, as in life, it’s the twists and turns that make the journey worth taking.
---
Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Character of Islay.
Comments