Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black is a darker, more deliberate chapter in the Islay peat story, an 18-year expression that channels raw maritime smoke through nearly two decades of oak. It balances unapologetic peat intensity with the smoothing patience of extended maturation, delivering a dram that feels both rebellious and refined.

Smokehead 18 Year Old Extra Black Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
Brand: Smokehead | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46% | Origin: Islay, Scotland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Dense peat smoke, charred oak, tarry leather, and a seam of dark toffee and stewed fruit beneath the smoke.
Palate: Full-bodied and robust, black coffee, bitter dark chocolate, molasses, cracked black pepper, and waves of saline peat that build across the tongue.
Finish: Long, dry, and smoky with lingering roasted oak, cocoa bitterness, and a persistent earthy peat note.

Production Details:
Selected oak casks and extended ageing temper the fierce youthfulness of peated spirit, allowing smoky oils to marry with darker, sweeter cask influences. Bottled to preserve intensity, the Extra Black profile emphasizes bold maturation choices that amplify char, spice, and concentrated peat character.

Perfect For:
Late-night drams, seasoned peat fans, collectors seeking a bold Islay statement, and pairing with smoky grilled meats or bitter dark chocolate.

Expert Notes:
A rare 18-year take on an otherwise famously youthful brand, critics note the Extra Black’s successful marriage of raw Islay peat and aged cask refinement, calling it both confrontational and curiously balanced.

Customer Reviews:
“Deep, brutal peat with surprising roundedness from the oak.”
“Powerful and memorable, definitely not for the faint-hearted.”
“A remarkable Islay dram: intense smoke, layered sweetness, and long finish.”

Interesting Fact:
Smokehead’s branding and presentation lean into a mysterious, rebellious identity; while its exact distillery roots are often left deliberately vague, the whisky’s character clearly celebrates Islay’s peating traditions.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve neat in a tulip glass to track aroma evolution; a few drops of water will soften tannins and reveal hidden toffee and fruit notes. Pair with strong, smoky foods or a square of high-cocoa chocolate.

Distillery Background:
Produced from Islay peated spirit and shaped through thoughtful cask selection and ageing, Smokehead Extra Black reflects the island’s peat-driven heritage while aiming for a darker, more oak-influenced expression, bridging smoky tradition with extended maturation.