Category Archives: - Undislosed
Smokehead
Whisky: Smokehead NAS, 43%
Ian Macleod Distillers Limited
± R400 ≈ £36
An unchillfiltered, single malt whisky from an undisclosed Islay distillery bottled by Ian Macleod; owners of Glengoyne distillery and independent bottlers. There is endless speculation as to the distillery of origin with many online swearing they know the truth, only to have another swear a different truth. Released late 2005.
Nose: A rush of peat to the face! Very salty with evident lemon juice, copious iodine and seaweed. The aromas are pronounced and energetic.
Taste: Bellows of young peat in a thick haze of smoke. More of the citrus and salt along with liquorice and some honey and toffee sweetness. A crackle of pepper. It has a light mouthfeel but plenty of vigour.
Finish: Very medicinal and long with a touch more pepper spice emerging near the end. Peat seems to never subside.
My Score: 79
For a younger dram this is well composed, but the peat is powerful and the flavours crisp and brash. The name and packaging tell you what you need to know: I’m young and hip, bold and unconventional. I’m a sucker for young peat, but I’d prefer this with an additional year or two maturation.
