SmokeHead Whisky
| Smoke. Seaweed. A slightly crooked grin. SmokeHead is Islay Single Malt Whisky for those who would rather have a dram with an edge than one wearing a tie. Which distillery is behind it is a well-kept secret. That it tastes of Islay is not up for debate. |
About SmokeHead
SmokeHead is Ian Macleod's take on an Islay Single Malt Whisky that dares to be loud. The bottle looks the way it does, and what is inside keeps up: peat smoke, salty sea air, a hint of iodine and just enough sweetness to hold it all together. If you are new to Islay, it is a fairly honest way in. If you collect, the interest lies elsewhere. The distillery has never been officially named, so the guessing game is still on, and the rumours most often point to Caol Ila and Lagavulin. Every bottle is a small mystery too.
History & background
Ian Macleod Distillers started out as a whisky broker in Broxburn near Edinburgh in 1933, founded by Leonard Russell Sr. In 1963 the family took over Ian Macleod & Co. along with the blend Isle of Skye, and in 2003 the company became Ian Macleod Distillers when Glengoyne joined the family. Then, in 2006, they launched SmokeHead, deliberately aimed at a younger generation that had no wish to drink Islay in an old armchair. The company is still independent and family owned.
Production & style
SmokeHead is a heavily peated Islay Single Malt Whisky from one undisclosed distillery on the island. Ian Macleod buys, matures and bottles it themselves. Maturation happens in casks, with bourbon as the backbone and some expressions adding sherry or rum casks on top. The original comes in at 43%, while High Voltage runs up to 58%, Sherry Bomb sits at 48% and Unfiltered at 46%. No age statement on the core bottling. The smoke just has to be there.
Signature style
Peat Smoke, Sea Salt, Seaweed, Liquorice, Vanilla, Caramel
Smoke and ash arrive first, then the salt and something medicinal that you will either love or need a minute to get used to. Underneath you find liquorice, vanilla, caramel and a touch of honey. It is a whisky that hits hard first and smiles afterwards.
Facts
| Brand | SmokeHead |
| Bottler | Ian Macleod Distillers |
| Launched | 2006 |
| Pronounced | smoke-head |
| Region | Islay |
| Country | Scotland |
| Owner | Ian Macleod Distillers |
| Distillery | Not disclosed |
| Peat | Heavy |
| Known series | Original, High Voltage, Sherry Bomb, Unfiltered, Extra Black 18 YO |
| Official website | smokehead.com |
Collector's angle
SmokeHead is not a classic collector's brand, but a few releases are worth keeping an eye on. Extra Rare appeared in 2007 in travel retail only, and since then there has been a limited 15 year old and an 18 year old Extra Black.
Did you know?
SmokeHead is made to be enjoyed exactly the way you like it. The brand has, for instance, launched single malt in a can, mixed with cola or ginger ale and lime.
Do you like SmokeHead?
Then you might also enjoy Big Peat, Port Charlotte or Ardbeg.