Smokehead Rum Cask Rebel

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: Yes

Special Features:

Caribbean rum casks add sweet, fruity accents to the powerful peaty character of Smokehead Rum Cask Rebel, an Islay single malt. Made entirely from malted barley, the whisky is distilled twice in swan-neck pot stills. Several years of maturation in different bourbon casks are followed by a nine- to twelve-month finish in former Caribbean rum casks.

The contrast between smoke, salt and fruit sweetness defines this edition. Roasted fruit notes are joined by spicy accents and hints of pear drops. Rum Cask Rebel is released in limited annual batches. The whisky is bottled at 46% without chill filtration, and the 0.7-litre bottle comes in a presentation tube.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Powerful peat smoke opens the nose. Sweet notes of burnt marshmallows, roasted pineapple and banana then emerge, accompanied by grilled bacon.
• Palate: The whisky feels oily and salty on the palate. Intense smoke arrives before honey and lemon quickly soften it.
• Finish: Toasted oak and smoky ember notes linger in the rounded finish. A delicate hint of fruit accompanies the fading flavours.

Distillery/Bottler:

Smokehead is an Ian Macleod Distillers brand launched in 2006. Its single malt comes from an unnamed distillery on Islay. While the island of origin is known, the individual distillery remains a secret.

Since 2009, the brand’s history has included ties to the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards and the Marshall Ultimate Band Contest. The Smokehead Rock Edition followed in 2012. With Rum Cask Rebel, Ian Macleod Distillers explores the contrast between peaty, salty Islay whisky and sweet, spicy Caribbean rum casks. The black bottle with its orange skull reflects the brand’s striking visual identity.

Facts: