Description
History
Distillery founded in Broxburn in 1933 and operating several small distilleries and a variety of brands. The Smokehead brand, created in 2006, has quickly gained fame as one of Islay’s most intriguing Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, although the identity of the producing distillery remains shrouded in mystery. The label design, modern and slightly dark, reveals a strong personality.
Production method
To produce a single malt whisky, the barley is first subjected to a malting process, during which the complex sugars/starches present in the cereal are broken down into simple sugars, suitable for alcoholic fermentation by yeasts. This process occurs in three phases: maceration of the cereal in water to moisten it, germination, during which the barley, which has been removed from the water, absorbs oxygen and begins to produce the radicle and germinate; this process in particular will release the enzyme that is responsible for the transformation of starches into simple sugars. Subsequently this process is interrupted and the cereal is dried, which often takes place using peat-fuelled ovens, which will give the typical smoky or salty hints. Subsequently the dried barley is ground and added again with hot water for further extraction of the must; this is what will subsequently be fermented and then distilled. The specifications state that for the term single malt the whiskey must come from a single distillery and refine for at least three years in oak barrels in Scotland.
Alcohol content
43%
Tasting notes
Golden color with bright reflections. On the nose it releases aromas of citrus fruits, lime, ginger, spices and a smoky suggestion, together with a touch of plum jam on a peaty and salty background. In the mouth, it has a soft entry, with notes of sweet and ripe fruit, almost honeyed, which extend with a persistent taste towards a smoky and salty finish.
Usage
Perfect at the end of a meal or for meditation; particularly recommended for lovers of whiskey or smoky or intense flavors in general. Great as a gift!