Review 182
11/11/13
Smokehead:
43% abv
Background: After a
most certainly disappointing experience on the last review (which I didn't bother posting), I decided to start
fresh again and to a Single Malt Scotch that I knew wouldn’t disappoint. This
is Smokehead, and what an ominous title for a whisky to hold, not to mention
the packaging. This bad boy was one of the two peated Islay malts that KCM
tried last year. You might be asking yourself about the “Smokehead” Distillery,
so let me clarify. This is actually an independent bottling, branded as its own
Scotch and distilled in Scotland. Smokehead doesn’t divulge where it hails
from, but I get the distinct impression it is Argbeg’s dirty work. It is a
smoky one, as you might have guessed. The next question you might ask is “But
K, tons of marketing, little information, and fancy packaging, isn’t this just
another marketing gimmick then?”. Not exactly. Unlike Pumpkin Face Rum
*shudder*, this Scotch actually offers something in terms of value. I’m about
to prove it to you.
Straight
Nose: As soon as you bring the glass to your nose,
you will believe. The smell is immediately smoky, rich, and intense, delivering
on every promise the title of this whisky has implied to you. The nose is
almost chocolatey, it is so rich, with a dark, deep peat smell to it. It is,
without a question of a doubt, a beautiful smell. The smell is full of wood
smoke, saltiness, and savory notes is prominent. There is smooth, vanilla
flavor as well. Specific flavors are not as exposed in the nose, but the whole
experience is huge.
Arrival: The
arrival is relatively dry, with a slight peppery spice, and some zesty peat
coming through. Unfortunately, the thick flavor doesn’t come through true and
strong in the arrival. That being said, there is a still a complexity of spice
and saltiness. There is some molasses and honey coming through, but a
relatively youthful barley spirit taste.
Body: This is
where the whisky really shines. The spiciness, saltiness and peat come to full
fruition at this point. There is a definite fruity sweetness that comes
through, which seems to really differentiate this from Kilchoman, although the
two have some commonalities (minus the intense tobacco which you don’t find nearly
as much). There is even some peppercorn bitterness in the body, which is not
overwhelming, but adds dimension to the whole event.
Finish: The
finish is an interesting, intense moment with Smokehead. It lasts a long time,
and truly brings out a cluster of flavors. The peatiness is there, but the
seaweed and salt flavors, with a dark, smoky chocolate are the stars of this
show. There is some molasses adding richness, with cloves and allspice adding
zest. There is just a little bit of mint as well. This isn’t the most complex
whisky, but it is really bold, and it’s quite enjoyable.
With Water
Nose: With
water, the nose brings out intensity of vanilla and sweetness, which starts to
balance with the peat quite well.
Arrival: With
water, the arrival becomes much sweeter, with some amount of agave and honey
coming through, as well as some sugar. Interestingly, as the whisky sits, more
wood smoke becomes apparent.
Body: The
body mellows out with water, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. The spicy
intensity backs off and more vanilla comes to the front. There is still a good
amount of peat, but there is a berry fruitiness that comes through.
Finish: The
finish is very interesting with water added. There is a different sweetness
becoming apparent. There is definitely some fruit sweetness, akin to pears and
apples, with smoky caramel and slight tobacco. It is a light smokiness, with
heavy overtones at the very end. It becomes nicely savory after a while, like
some spicy bacon. This is very subtle though.
Final Comments: Smokehead
is inconsistent, to say the least. It is dark and rich in the nose, light and
somewhat diluted in the arrival, and then massive in the body. Somebody who
doesn’t drink peated whisky might not feel the same way, but in comparison to
some of the Laphroaigs and Ardbegs, this lacks some of the intensity. That
being said, this is a very decent whisky for the money, and it is something
different from your standard offerings. I think what would set this Scotch over
the edge would be bottling it at a higher proof. This could even stand to be at
48%. In any case, there is plenty of room for growth, but it is a good start as
it is.
Why you’d buy it: You’ve
tried the big dogs, and want variety
Why you wouldn’t: It is
really hard to compete with Laphroaig 18 Yr
Score: 8.25/10
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