The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Douglas Fraser
Rating: C+
Smokehead Islay Single Malt
(Credit: Ian Macleod Distillers)
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky is a peat bomb for lovers of smoky whisky. The brand belongs to Ian Macleod Distillers, and its source on Islay is undisclosed and one of the company’s best kept secrets. Rumors point to Lagavulin and Caol Ila, but those are just rumors.
This is not the only example of a sourced and bottled whisky from Islay. Port Askaig is another, and also rumored to come from Caol Ila.
The Scotch
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch seems like a typical Islay malt. I didn’t find anything bad about it, but I also not anything great about it either. However, the finish is quite nice with he long smoky finish that just lingers on your palate. Smokehead Single Malt Scotch is bottled at 43% ABV.
Color: Gold
On the nose is iodine and smoke which hits your nose hard. After it settles there are some oak and green apple notes present. On the palate, the smoke continues with woody notes, oats, and a hint of some medicinal traits. The finish is long and smoky with some oak tannin and sea salt notes.
The Price
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch can be found for approximately $75.
