The Smokehead Terminado is the latest limited edition from the Islay single malt brand. This new bottling follows the brand’s recent experimentation with different cask types that has included the Rum Rebel ex-rum cask finish and the Twisted & Stou…
The Smokehead Terminado is the latest limited edition from the Islay single malt brand. This new bottling follows the brand's recent experimentation with different cask types that has included the Rum Rebel ex-rum cask finish and the Twisted & Stout ex-stout beer barrel finish. Terminado has seen a similar finishing period in ex-tequila casks that have been sourced from Jalisco in Mexico. The exact number of bottles has not been revealed. Smokehead Terminado is released at as no age statement and 43% ABV. It is initially exclusive to the Amazon and Smokehead websites. Wider distribution will follow. A bottle will cost £69/ US$83.
Smokehead is an Islay single malt brand that is owned and bottled by Iain Macleod Distillers. They also own the Glengoyne, Rosebank and Tamdhu single malt distilleries. Smokehead was first released in 2006 and stirred up the whisky category at the time with its then unconventional look and contemporary packaging. This has since had a revamp four years ago. The whiskies are from an un-named distillery on the famous whisky island of Islay.
"Smokehead is a brand that constantly pushes the boundaries of what a single malt whisky is and how it is perceived. By embracing contemporary methods of finishing, we are at the forefront of innovation."
Iain Weir / Brand Director of Smokehead.
Our tasting notes
The colour is golden yellow and the nose is big, peaty and sweet. Aromas of acrid and medicinal smoke rise from the glass - this has elements of damp earth, moss, salty seaweed, bonfire ash and a hint of iodine to it. Sweet and confected aromas sit underneath - imagine caramelised pineapple, toffee and meringue especially.
On the palate this whisky is equally as bold, smoky and sweet as the nose suggests. The peat smoke has a distinct bitter and ashy edge to it. This develops towards damp moss and drying seaweed, and has a herbal green vibe. There is also some green chilli and a brine-like quality with a hint of chalkiness and iodine.
Sitting nicely alongside these peaty and smoky characteristics are a number of sweet and highly confected notes. Marshmallow and soft, chewy meringue (like in the centre of a pavlova) lead the way and are joined by toffee, canned peaches and candied citrus (especially orange and lime). There is also a peppery note and something earthy and vegetal underneath. Some runny honey and the caramelised pineapple round things off nicely.
The finish is long, peaty and acrid. The smoky notes drag it out as expected but the sweeter elements aid this well. The fruity and confected characteristics slowly fade and this lets the vegetal and ashy smoke dominate. This gives a lasting warmth and dryness.
What's the verdict?
This is another fine example of finishing from Smokehead. They are really beginning to make a name for themselves in this area. Smoky whiskies are not always the easiest or most sympathetic to work with but in each case Smokehead has achieved this.
The Terminado and its ex-tequila cask finish sits well alongside its Rum Rebel and Twisted & Stout siblings. Such casks will surely become more prominent in the Scotch and wider whisky industry, and we will watch the develops with interest. Especially if they are as tasty as Smokehead Terminado.
