Smokehead High Voltage Scotch Review

By Douglas Fraser

Grade: B+

Smokehead High Voltage Islay Single Malt
(Credit: Ian Macleod Distillers)

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky is pure Islay whisky at its smokiest, with High Voltage as the cask strength version of the standard Smokehead. The whisky is sourced by Ian Macleod Distillers from an unnamed Islay distillery, and as a single malt, we know the source is just one distillery from that island.

The Scotch
Smokehead High Voltage is a release that puts smoke and high proof first. When they said High Voltage, they meant it, and it is billed as “an assault on the senses.” I felt like I was sipping on pure octane. There is smoke and alcohol burn throughout that doesn’t leave the palate until the long finish has faded away. Smokehead High Voltage is bottled at 58% ABV.

Fair warning: This whisky is incredibly peated.

Color: Dark Gold

At first nosing, the alcohol fumes and smoke fill your nostrils, in an almost overpowering way. Once past those initial fumes, the smoke gives way to a gentle caramel sweetness with notes of candied almonds and oats. The palate is rather similar still having a strong smoky note. However gentle nuts and caramel notes swift across my palate. However, this left me with a rather medicinal note on the finish to accompany a long smoky aftertaste with a note of driftwood.

The Price
Smokehead High Voltage is approx. 68 pounds or $82 US Dollars.