Smokehead 15 yo - Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 43% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: Yes

Special Features:

This limited 15-year-old Smokehead edition was released in 2025. The Islay single malt spent its entire maturation in a variety of bourbon casks, with no subsequent sherry, rum or tequila finish. At launch, it was the oldest expression in the range. The extended bourbon-cask maturation brings vanilla, barley sugar and sweet citrus fruit alongside the pronounced peat smoke, while herbs and salty, mineral notes retain its coastal character.

The whisky is made from malted barley and distilled twice. Ian Macleod Distillers bottles it at 43% ABV without chill filtration. The 0.7-litre bottle comes in gift packaging.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Dense, oily peat smoke and salty sea air dominate the nose. Preserved lemon and mineral notes give way to grilled fish, rosemary and thyme, accompanied by campfire smoke. A little caramel and slightly tart berries emerge in the background.
• Palate: Ash and salt open the palate. Sweet citrus fruit, creamy vanilla ice cream and barley contrast with earthy peat. Caramel, dry wood spice and smoky apple crumble follow.
• Finish: Peat smoke lingers through the long finish, with lemon peel and salty sea spray emerging at the end.

Distillery/Bottler:

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd created the Smokehead brand in 2006 and bottles heavily peated Islay single malt under its name. A skull defines the bottle’s design. The Islay distillery that produced this whisky is not disclosed. Founded in 1933, the Scottish family company is an independent bottler with four generations of experience in distilling, blending and bottling spirits. The 15-year-old edition introduced in 2025 brought an age statement back to a Smokehead range otherwise offered predominantly without one.

Facts: