Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd
Avearage price: € 90.00
Official website: www.ianmacleod.com
The peated skull born in 2006 returned to the age declaration in May 2025, after testing the waters with a limited edition of an 18yo just a couple of years after the label’s release.
Aged entirely in ex-bourbon casks, this bottle has become a staple in Smokehead’s lineup, unique for its declared age, with no indication of the distillery of origin other than it being located on Islay.
Tasting Notes
Vegetal peat and coastal notes on the nose, with significant citrus intrusions of lemon and grapefruit, where nori seaweed, oysters, pickled olives, wet wood, and sea rocks blend with the smokiness of juniper and aromatic herbs (thyme above all). In the background, crème brûlée, roasted marshmallows, acacia honey, and a leather base. A classic islander, sparkling and direct.
On the palate, it is quite light; the entry of black pepper and ginger does not find great support among the aromas, which lean towards smoke in general. Burning wood over which citrus, baked pear, crème brûlée, pine nuts, aromatic herbs, and a slight salinity hover, more evident in the finish. Everything feels very empty and short.
And indeed, the finish is short, leaving ash, citrus, salt, and little else.
Review: An insignificant dram; placing all the blame on the alcohol content, though not minimal, might be overly generous: it lacks structure and depth, which one certainly does not expect from such an important age.
Vote: 71/100