Smokehead is a brand of bottler Ian Macleod. Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig etc. all these distilleries are supposed to be the contents of Smokehead. Although the aromas sometimes point more to one than the other of these distilleries, Ian Macleod never discloses where he acquires the distillate. The label indicates Smokehead as an Islay single malt, so it comes from a single distillery and is neither a Blended Malt nor a Blended Scotch.
Nose: A fresh sea breeze with salty notes leads the way, followed by soft medicinal peat smoke. Underneath lie hints of lemon zest, roasted almonds and a touch of wet stone.
Mouth: Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, oily texture. Smoke and sweet vanilla are beautifully balanced by roasted malt, black pepper and a hint of citrus fruit. A touch of menthol adds a refreshing twist.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering smoke, subtle spice and a mineral, slightly bitter edge that fades gracefully.
Nose: Through orange chocolate and crème brûlee comes perfume and spice — rose petals, lilac, and carnation, chased by cumin, saffron, and nutmeg. Add water, and delicate fruits and a fresh menthol breeze sneak out.
Palate: Ginger, black pepper, and mint are followed by toffee, demerara sugar, and sugar-coated almonds. Then comes that eucalyptus lift with marmalade and dark chocolate in the backdrop.
Finish: The finish lingers with clove, leather, and peppermint, leaving your tongue humming like it’s been on a spice-market bar crawl.
Nose: Mac-Talla Strata 15 Year Old reveals smoky, marine aromas, with hints of peat and salt. Feel: On the palate, this single malt offers spicy, woody flavors, balanced by hints of honey and dried fruit. Finish: The finish is long and lingering, leaving notes of oak and vanilla on the palate.
Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee. Mouth: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil. Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.