Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast (70cl, 48%)

This is Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast, an Islay single malt in a 70cl bottle, bottled at 48% without chill-filtration. It matured in bourbon and sherry casks, then received a finish in oloroso sherry casks that sets a sweet, fruity and spicy side against the strong Islay peat. It is distilled twice and comes in a tube. Sherry Cask Blast continues the style of Sherry Bomb, introduced in 2018, under a new name. Ian Macleod Distillers owns the Smokehead brand. The nose offers medicinal peat and smoke, spicy oak, creamy vanilla custard and a light salty sea note. The palate is oily and full, with grilled banana, raisins and other dried fruit, campfire smoke and warm spices. The long finish returns to peat, with sherried oak and clear sweetness turning salty.