Smokehead Rum Rebel - 46%

From the Smokehead website.

Smokehead whisky conspires with its rum cask cousin to banish the bland, for a taste journey that jolts with smoke and fiery peat, then soothes with citrus, before marshmallow, bacon, dried fruits and dark wood swirl to the fore…

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as thick oily legs 

Nose: Sweet, ashy smoke, lemon citrus, applewood smoked pork, roasted pineapple and a touch of sea breeze

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel. Grilled gammon with pineapple, soft beach bonfire smoke, lemon citrus, cola bottle sweets, vanilla cream and Old Jamaica ginger beer heat.

Finish: Gentle bonfire smoke, toasted oak, vanilla caramel toffees and a touch of baking spice

Summary: If you read the marketing blurb that goes with this whisky you would be forgiven if you were expecting a full-on assault on the senses. What you actually get is a nicely put-together, well balanced, easy drinking whisky.

Compared to the original Smokehead the smoke has been tempered down and marries well with the tropical fruit influence of the rum cask. With a few drops of water it becomes sweeter and the tropical fruit notes take a more prominent role.

Current retail price is around £50, if you’re after a smoky whisky with a difference it’s a decent enough option.