Smokehead Rum Cask Rebel

The final bottle from a three-pack, and also the last readily available Smokeheads. This run concludes with a look back at a spirit last sampled on June 26, 2022 (the initial assessment follows below). I recall enjoying this quite a bit last year, but let's give it another go... Nose: It definitely seems younger than I remember. The Islay smoke is prominent and immediate, accompanied by a slightly burning ethanol that brings bright, zesty pineapple. There's also some toffee, which I don't recall, and ashy, vegetal notes. It has less rubber than the Smokehead Original and none of the metallic, mineral-heavy aromas found in the high voltage version. The aroma is different and somewhat less distinctive than the standard cask expressions. Palate: It begins with a fruit juice-like texture that's a bit thin but has some oiliness. It quickly shifts to a rubbery peat smoke, with an ashiness similar to the original. There's a definite brininess leaning towards cured meat, though I don't detect the distinct bacon flavor noted previously (this is not Talisker). Fruit develops over time, but it's not fully realized; it moves in a bright, fresh direction but stops short at inexpensive tropical fruit juice and cola bottle candy. Salt and ash are the lasting impressions. Finish: Long and warming with pepper, avoiding chili heat. It feels slightly waxy with a hint of light vanilla and orange, plus a pleasant, cool smoke. Alright. Smokehead, a fitting name for this release. The smoke is present. The Rum Rebel aspect, not so much. It attempts to assert itself but falls short. I get the impression the whisky was given secondhand accounts of rum and asked to create a fake version. It's uninspired and detracts from the positive aspects. I maintain that it's pleasant enough to drink, but it's forgettable and lacks a cohesive quality to link its various elements. Overall, Smokehead is perfectly acceptable. It caters to a specific audience, and I'm sure it resonates with them. However, in my experience, there are superior or more affordable alternatives that easily outshine these. It's worth trying, and I might order it at a bar depending on the location. Would I purchase a bottle though? No. Smokehead's performance ratings: Smokehead Single Malt: 3/5 Smokehead High Voltage: 3.5/5 Smokehead Rum Rebel: 2.75 *** Original assessment from June 26, 2022 Nose: Undeniable Islay peat, some iodine and fresh seaweed, charred pineapple. Palate: Savory. Bacon and darkness. Thick caramel stickiness. Salty brine. Finish: Prickly but long. Waxy with light vanilla notes and lingering wisps of smoke. The flavors are perhaps distinct rather than well-rounded/balanced, but perfectly enjoyable. If on sale/discount, it would make a nice smoky choice for everyday sipping. 3/5

Appearance: Tawny shade. The glass's side shows a thin line after swirling, and slow-moving legs form. Nose: Quite pleasing, with savory and sweet notes. It's packed with sizzling smoked meat, brown sugar, and vanilla. There are undertones of charcoal and a hint of citrus, like tropical fruit being cut near a smoker. Palate: The palate is somewhat subdued, with moderate molasses sweetness mingling with sooty smoke and very salty bacon. Perhaps some caramel, or rather salted caramel, to explain the prominent saltiness. The texture feels notably thin. Finish: Of medium duration. It briefly becomes lighter and sweeter, offering grilled pineapple and honeycomb, but quickly fades to bitter ash and black pepper. The experience isn't unpleasant, concluding with a peculiar, slightly sweet smoked coconut aftertaste that is quite likable and seems to be a strong point. With Water: A few drops of water enhance the nose with significant vanilla and reveal nutty banana bread beyond the smoke. The coconut hint on the finish also becomes more noticeable. Total: 69/100 Overall: I had higher hopes for enjoying this bottle. It's acceptable, but I'd find it difficult to have a second serving in one session and will not purchase another once it's gone. While some online discussions suggest this is Ardbeg, I question if Ardbeg would supply casks to an independent bottler in significant quantities. My memory of Ardbeg Drum doesn't strongly align with this dram either, though a direct comparison might be warranted. Price: £45 Would recommend: no Would buy: no

Received this bottle as a gift from the company owner. I understand the appeal... another non-age-statement Islay scotch, particularly from an obscure distillery with a questionable marketing approach. We're tired of these imitations attempting to rival our cherished smoky whiskies. This is my first experience with Smokehead, and I must admit I'm quite impressed. I was wary of a rum-finished peated scotch after the disastrous GD Fire/Cane, which I found to be absolutely terrible. This, however, delivers with robust flavor and no artificial notes. I suspect this is Ardbeg aged 6-9 years. It's less aggressive than Wee Beastie but not quite as refined as the 10-year. The rum finish masks many imperfections and elevates the spirit until the price becomes a factor. The nose is wonderfully smoky with notes of powdered sugar pastry and a hint of menthol. The palate features sizzling thick-cut bacon glazed with brown sugar, oak tannins with smoky char, and salty malt. It's a bit vibrant, but the flavors are rich. The finish is classic Islay with lingering smoke and cooling malt, plus an extra touch of sweet pastry dough. The barrel finishing truly enhances the experience positively, and like most Islays, it's highly enjoyable. My only concern is the price, around $80. As famously stated, 'That's too fuckin high.' I can obtain Oogie or Corry for less, along with many other age-stated peated options. Nevertheless, this is quite tasty, just overpriced... 86/100

The well-known Islay single malt, Smokehead, has introduced a new expression called "Rum Rebels." This one was aged in former Caribbean rum barrels. I'm confident the whisky comes from a mystery Islay malt, likely Caol Ila. It's bottled at 46% ABV and has a golden hue. The aroma starts with a sweet molasses scent, followed by bacon, glazed pork, and anise. On the palate, molasses and fresh wood mingle, with quince notes. The finish is peaty and develops intriguing flavors like plastic, Velcro, and sawdust. It's peculiar yet delightful. Generally, this is the most average whisky I've encountered. It's neither remarkable nor poor. I don't have any issues with it, as it offers good value for $50. It's a bit dull and straightforward, but acceptable. I rate it 80/100.

Very underwhelming. Lacks smoke and peat. It's hot and sharp with alcohol but no peat or smoke. Abundant butter, caramel, marshmallow, and rum flavors. Quite a letdown, especially given the cost. It's pleasant enough but hardly representative of Islay. Adding water did open it up considerably but it's still not nearly as smoky and peaty as I prefer.

The rum notes are present but much less pronounced than in the sherry version. It contributes deeper tones and some spice with a tingly warmth. The peat seems to clash with the rum, creating a tension that, while not off-putting, doesn't enhance the whisky.