SMOKEHEAD RUM REBEL / 700ML / 46% ALC

Nose: It certainly has a different profile than the standard expression. There’s comparatively subtle smoke and a whiff of smoked bacon, but also grilled pineapple, ripe bananas and tinned peaches. Finally some notes of raw sugar and charred marshmallows.
Taste: Sweet arrival with orange marmalade and some salted caramel, followed by crisp smoke and earthy peat, as well as some lively cracked black pepper. A touch of aniseed as well.
Finish: The fruits return for an encore on the palate. Grilled lemon peel and some tinned pineapple. Medium in length.

Score: 83

The fruity, sweet rum influence is nicely integrated with the classic Islay flavours. Job wel done and a big step up from the standard release.