First Impressions
Islay Rum is distilled at the Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen on the famous whisky island of Islay. Aged far slower than its tropical counterparts in the cool Scottish climate, this rum matured in a cask previously used for Islay's famous peated whisky. The result is a rum unlike anything from the Caribbean — infused with the maritime, smoky character of its island home.
Tasting
The nose is distinctive. Subtle peat smoke — the signature of Islay — mingles with vanilla and sea salt. Toffee adds sweetness, and the maritime oak notes speak to the coastal maturation. It's unmistakably a product of Islay.
The palate is unique and characterful. Gentle peat influence provides a smoky backbone, vanilla and honey add sweetness, sea salt contributes a maritime dimension, and oak spice provides warmth. The Scottish island character runs through everything — this is rum that tastes of its place.
The finish is medium-long with peat, vanilla, sea salt, and a smoky, maritime close.
The Bottom Line
At £51.50, Islay Rum offers something genuinely different. If you enjoy peated whisky and are curious about how those smoky, maritime notes translate to rum, this is a fascinating bottle. It bridges two worlds in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
