Islay Scotch whisky brand Smokehead, part of Ian Macleod Distillers, recently announced the U.S. launch of Tequila Cask Terminado, a new hand-crafted whisky in their experimental portfolio.
A statement from Ian Macleod Distillers noted that Tequila Cask Terminado is meant to embody the rebellious nature of Smokehead, and it’s another innovative way to present a classic Islay Scotch.
This expression is made by maturing Smokehead in ex-bourbon barrels, with a finish in Mexican Tequila oak casks. The distiller’s notes show that the tequila-cask finish provides a unique taste where the peat is awakened by wild agave. The smoke mixes with the flavors of meringue, blood orange, and barbecued pineapple.
The palate also features notes of toffee, lime and ambrosian peaches.
Michael Sim, chief Smokehead ambassador, said that Smokehead takes the best of Islay single malt and pushes the boundaries of what classic whisky is and how it’s perceived. “Tequila Terminado very much comes out of the ‘why not’ category, taking flavors in Islay single malt to different corners just as our other whiskies already have.”
He said Smokehead usually “rips up the rule book” when it comes to whisky, “therefore 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.”
Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado clocks in at 43% ABV and is available in 700mL bottles in select retail shops in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $79.99.
For more information, check out www.smokehead.com.
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