Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Dram used in the Pairing.


So we chose Smokehead malt for the pairing, it matched well, which I think most Islay malts would. This mystery malt, no one knows where it is from, or do they…………..?

It is guessed to be distilled by Lagavulin and Ardbeg, I would lean more towards the Ardbeg, a younger expression for sure.

Looking closer at this new Malt from an unspecified Islay distillery brings a few things to the fore, this is purge genius marketing. Normally sold barrels of malt find themselves either in independent bottlers own labels or blended with the likes of Famous Grouse. On occasions we find them as vatted malts released by Compass Box and others.

So back to Smokehead, this is clever marketing, its attractive packaging, reasonable pricing and review some forums and blogs its said to be sub standard barrels that have been sold, after tasting it its not a bad drop, for sure there are better peated drams out there but for the price its ok, I also got myself the 18 and some others that you should look out for like Finlaggan and Big Peat.

What…
Smokehead

Location…
ISLAY

Where…
Somewhere on Hong Kong Island

Why…
I was impressed with this Dram on the oysters so I thought I would give it a review.

Tasting…
Nose: Black smoke, charcoal, seaweed and vanilla tinges.

Palate: Hickory smoke, oaky, dark chocolate sultana.

Finish: Not a long lasting taste, tangy at first then peat smoke, leaving you with a sweet woody oil coated tongue.

Comments: Smokehead in my humble opinion is a good single malt from Ian MacLeod. Great marketing, on its own or with the oysters a good dram, can’t wait to try the 18 year old. Would I buy it again? Yes. If you like peated Malts give it a try.

Get it…
From the boys and girls at Fine Vintage here in Hong Kong.


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