When it comes to whiskies with attitude, few deliver like Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Dark, smoky, and unapologetically bold, this dram feels right at home during the year’s spookiest celebrations. Whether you’re raising a glass on Halloween or honouring loved ones on Día de los Muertos, Smokehead promises to bring a little fire – and a lot of flavour – to the night.
The skull-adorned bottle might catch your eye first, but don’t mistake it for a gimmick. Behind the striking design is a seriously powerful Islay whisky, one that haunts the senses with waves of peat smoke and complexity. For those who love their drams smoky, the Smokehead collection is a must-try.
A Cocktail With Bite: Back From The Ashes
Of course, whisky purists will enjoy Smokehead neat. But for those throwing a party or looking to shake things up, there’s a cocktail designed especially for the season: Back From The Ashes – a smoky twist on the classic margarita.
This drink showcases Smokehead Tequila Terminado (43% ABV / RRP £69), an experimental release matured in tequila casks. It’s a meeting of two restless spirits: Islay’s fiery peat colliding with Mexico’s distinctive agave. The result is a whisky with both smoke and zing, perfect for cocktail exploration.
Recipe – Back From The Ashes
- 22.5ml Smokehead Tequila Terminado
- 25ml Dry Vermouth
- 25ml Triple Sec
- 22.5ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lemon zest, to garnish
Method:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest.
For larger gatherings, this cocktail can be easily batched in advance – just add the ice and shake before serving. And don’t forget to chill your glassware; it makes all the difference.
Tasting Smokehead Tequila Terminado
So, what can you expect when you pour yourself a dram of Smokehead Tequila Terminado neat? Here’s the breakdown:
Nose: Waves of peaty smoke with vanilla and buttery shortbread. Almond and smoke blend into chewy meringue, with flashes of blood orange, burnt sugar, and a whisper of barbecued pineapple.
Palate: A riot of smoke and citrus. Toffee sweetness wrestles with peat and malt, while lime and peach swirl together. Notes of burnt corn-on-the-cob give it an earthy edge.
Finish: Long, sweet, and warming. Gentle heat lingers with citrus zest and cracked pepper.
Not Just for Ghouls
While Halloween and Day of the Dead are the perfect excuse to open a bottle of Smokehead, this Islay single malt isn’t confined to seasonal celebrations. With its bold character and fearless approach to flavour, it’s a whisky that will intrigue and delight all year round.
So this Halloween, when the candles flicker and the shadows grow longer, why not raise a glass of Smokehead? After all, some spirits are worth welcoming.
