After 15 years in the cask, Smokehead 15 Year Old is “older and bolder” — a matured expression of Smokehead’s signature Islay peat, now deeper and more refined. It’s produced by Ian Macleod Distillers, known for crafting whisky that doesn’t shy away from intensity. This age-statement release gives the peaty smoke space to mature, while still retaining the punch and character that Smokehead is famous for.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Rich golden amber, glowing with a touch of burnished bronze.
Nose: Bonfires of smoke crackle with rosemary and thyme. Peat soars with citrus peel and soft vanilla undercurrents. The smoke is vivid, yet there’s freshness from coastal sea air and herbal tones.
Palate: Bold and mouth-coating. The peat is upfront, accompanied by briny sea spray, roasted wood, and whispers of charred oak. Citrus brightness (lemon, perhaps orange) cuts through the smoke, balanced by vanilla sweetness and subtle herbal seasoning.
Finish: Long, lingering, and smoky. Sea spray, citrus zing, and ash remain, warming and persistent. Smoke fades slowly, leaving behind a complex echo of peat, coastal salt, and a soft sweetness
Collector’s Note
This is a milestone for Smokehead—it’s their age-statement release, adding gravitas to a lineup typically defined by its youth and intensity. As a relatively recent release (2025) with global availability, it will likely become a benchmark in the Smokehead range. It appeals to both peat lovers and collectors who appreciate smoky whiskies that have had time to mature.
Technical Details
Distillery: Produced by Ian Macleod Distillers, Scotland
Region: Islay (peat-smoke island classic)
Age: 15 Years
ABV: 43%
Volume: 750 ml
Style: Peated Single Malt, high smoke and herbal notes, balanced with citrus and vanilla for contrast
Delivery within South Africa:
All orders are delivered from our central warehouse located in Montague Gardens, Western Cape. Local orders are usually delivered in 0-2 working days. Orders outside of Cape Town but within SA are generally delivered within 2-5 working days. If you require expedited delivery, we now offer an Express delivery service, which typically takes 1-3 working days, depending on your area.
While we strive for timely deliveries, there are occasional instances where delays may occur. These are rare but can happen due to unforeseen circumstances.
Delivery Rates:
At checkout, you will be presented with delivery options and corresponding rates. These rates are provided directly by our courier partners and are displayed as is. On rare occasions, a courier may generate an incorrect delivery rate due to issues with the address recognition. In such cases, we will arrange for an alternative courier to deliver your order at a similar rate to the original cost.
We believe in offering transparency in our delivery fees and, as such, do not include any delivery costs in our product pricing. We do not profit from delivery fees.
Third-Party Couriers:
For the majority of our orders, we rely on third-party courier services for delivery. Regular notifications will be sent and on the day of delivery the couriers will notify you via sms, call or email . If the courier is unable to reach you, we will get in touch with you to arrange an alternative solution.
Please note, you will be required to sign upon delivery, and the drivers may request a form of identification.
If there is something wrong with your product, we will gladly issue a full refund of 100% of your purchase amount. To process this, please reach out to us at info@mothercityliquor.co.za as soon as possible, and we will guide you through the refund process.
Order Cancellations: If you need to cancel your order, simply email us at info@mothercityliquor.co.za, and we’ll assist you with the cancellation process. Please note, cancellations will incur a small fee of 10%, which covers the transaction fees we incur for processing each order. If your order has already been shipped, please be aware that the shipping fee is non-refundable.
Consignment Orders:
We do not offer consignment stock or consignment deals.
Returns:
If you find that there is an issue with your product, you are eligible to return it to us. Here’s how you can initiate the return:
Exceptions to Returns:
Sale or Special Offer Items: Only regular-priced items are eligible for a refund. Unfortunately, items purchased on sale or as part of a special offer cannot be refunded.
