Smokehead whiskies

History

Ian Macleod Distillers launched Smokehead in the 2000s as a branded Islay malt, at a time when smoky whisky was beginning to win over a new audience. The brand has always kept its distance from the traditional image of Scotch, with provocative designs and collaborations with the world of music. As with other malts without a distillery name, the exact origin of the whisky has not been made public. The brand has gradually expanded its range with higher-strength versions and finishes in different casks, always with Islay smoke as the star.

House style

Smokehead is an intensely smoky Islay, with peat, sea salt, citrus and pepper over a sweet caramel background. It is direct and powerful, without great subtlety, with a long, smoky finish. It works neat, on the rocks or in cocktails that need a touch of smoke, such as a Penicillin. It is a malt designed for enjoying smoke without too many complications, which is why it works well as a first Islay for those who already know they like smoky whisky. It isn’t the subtlest option, but it is one of the most direct.

Where to start

Smokehead is the catalogue’s entry. If you like it, compare it with official Islay malts with pronounced smoke, such as Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16, to see each distillery’s nuances. If you prefer a slightly friendlier smoke, try Caol Ila 12 or Big Peat.

• SmokeheadSingle malt · 43% ABV