Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Created by a group of self-proclaimed “disruptors,” Islay Scotch whisky brand Smokehead has released their newest expression, Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado. The whisky is a fresh take on classic Islay Scotch where peat greets wild agave, resulting in a sweet, smoky, delightful concoction.
Smokehead is a part of Ian Macleod Distillers, a respected independent Scottish family distillery with a wide portfolio of spirits including Scotch, gin, and vodka. The distillers fully support the free-spirited folks at Smokehead, boasting the Tequila Cask Terminado as innovative and rebellious. Chief Smokehead ambassador Michael Sim says of the release, “Finishing a peated single malt in a tequila cask is nothing ground-breaking for us. It was a natural step now that Tequila casks can be used in single malt maturation. The result is a whisky that is hard to put your finger on in terms of taste and style, just the way we like it.”
Made by maturing the whisky in ex-bourbon barrels then finishing in Mexican tequila oak casks, the flavor of the agave presents itself clearly in the tasting. It comes through as a kind of sugary and pleasant mouthfeel, with a pleasant bitterness that resembles the bright and subtle flavor profile of edible flowers.
I have recently noticed the many brands and distillers who are determined to push boundaries and innovate traditional flavors to accommodate the young, fresh palates of a new generation of whisky consumers; those who aren’t suspended in amber when it comes to what a whisky “should be.” Smokehead’s bottle is cool and sleek, with a label designed with a stunning metallic teal skull – it’s packaged to look great on social media, ready to enjoy the built-in publicity that comes from influencers showing off.
It helps that the whisky tastes as good as it looks, and while Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado isn’t the best Scotch I’ve ever had, I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
Tasting Notes: Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado
Vital Stats: Distilled and bottled in Scotland. Finished in tequila casks. 43% ABV. SRP $79.99.
Appearance: The whisky is a light honey color.
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Nose: The gorgeous aroma of leather, mesquite, sweet corn, and light citrus.
Palate: Sugar cube punches through at the front, coating the palate with a pleasant burning glow. Smokey but not overpowering, the whisky contains notes of citrus bitters, most discernibly orange, with floral notes that resemble edible flowers. There’s the slightest bit of meatiness, giving a punchy mouthfeel with a nice, medium finish.
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