Smokehead Tequila Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Smokehead Tequila Cask Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Origin: Scotland
Volume: 700mL
Alcohol by Volume: 43%

Smokehead is a brand under Ian Macleod (which owns distilleries such as Glengoyne and Tamdhu), and this series of bottlings uses Islay single malt whisky as its base.

The label cleverly uses the concept of "terminado" (finished) to indicate that this is an Islay single malt whisky finished in tequila casks. After tasting, I found it to be a good tequila cask-finished whisky.

The aroma presents clear sweet smoke, a hint of tequila herbaceousness, a touch of saltiness, fresh notes of roasted shellfish, an underlying meatiness, pineapple syrup, and creamy apple. The aroma is a composition of sweet, salty, fresh, smoky, and tequila herbaceousness, making for an excellent aromatic profile.

The palate has a bit of punch, starting with herbal notes, peat with sweet smoke, a nice orange peel aftertaste, subtle codonopsis, sea salt, and black pepper. The finish carries a touch of sourness, saltiness, tannins, malt, a slightly bitter tea note, spicy olive, and a hint of ash.

Subtle peat with sweet smoke, a hint of tequila herbaceousness, sweet, salty, and lingering flavors, and that very striking subtle freshness. Although only 43%, the body has a bit of punch and isn't too thin, making it quite pleasant to drink.