MacNaMara Rum Cask Finish Blended Scotch

This is the least I've ever paid for a bottle of Scotch. Couldn't resist picking up a bottle for $35. The aroma is quite promising. You're greeted by sweet brown sugar, oak, and a whisper of smoke, a reminder of its Scottish origin. The initial taste is intense and very sweet. The rum's influence is powerful. The flavors then mellow out with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and a puff of smoke. The finish is brief, leaving you with the essence of golden rum. The spirit's youth is evident, but the blender skillfully kept the rough edges at bay. I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, it's quite good and the price is unbeatable. On the other, it's a bit too sweet for sipping neat. I can imagine it performing excellently as an intriguing substitute for dark rum in cocktails or simply mixed with cola and ice.