Ian Macleod Distillers’ brand-new Smokehead Rum Rebel, Smokehead Islay Single Malt whisky - which has been finished in rich Caribbean rum casks - arrives on UK shores for International Rum Day on 16 August.
The team at Smokehead say: "The rich, smoky, salty Islay whisky is finished in spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks creating culture colliding carnage and a melding of mouth-watering tastes.
"Bold and boisterous as ever, Smokehead is disrupting International Rum Day with a tantalising twist on the humdrum for rum fans, beckoning them to the Smokehead whisky dark side."
As a toast to International Rum Day, Smokehead have created a brand-new, bold cocktail - The Smokito.
The cocktail is described as: "The warm dried spices and fruity sweetness come through with Smokehead’s signature extremes of peat and punch. A confounding twist on their favourite drink that’s unlike anything they dared to try before."
Ingredients
50ml Smokehead Rum Rebel
25ml lime juice mixed with 25ml water
2 teaspoons sugar
Fresh mint
Few flakes smoked Maldon sea salt
Method
Add mint and sugar to the glass and stir for 2 minutes. Add the lime and water and stir for a further minute until all the sugar has dissolved.
Add ice and pour the Smokehead into your highball glass. Sprinkle with a few flakes of smoked Maldon sea salt and enjoy.
On Sunday 16 August, Smokehead brand ambassador Mikey Sim, will host an episode of Smokehead TV on the brand's Instagram and Facebook channels.
During the episode he will taste Rum Rebel, as well as show fans how to craft the Smokito signature cocktail and showcase a special boilermaker serve.
Commenting on the new expression, Iain Weir, Smokehead brand director, said: “We are overwhelmed by the boldness of flavour in our new bottling and can’t wait to see our Smokeheads’ reaction.
"When our rich, smoky, salty Islay Smokehead collides with spicy, sweet Caribbean rum casks, carnage is inevitable.
“We’re encouraging all our Smokeheads and rum fans alike to stir up a Rum Rebel Smokito and raise their glass high this International Rum Day.
"Like all our Smokehead whiskies, Rum Rebel is not for everyone. This whisky is for the fearless.”
Smokehead Rum Rebel joins the family of Smokehead Original, Smokehead High Voltage and the latest release Sherry Bomb, a smoky Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks.
Priced at £54.99 with an ABV of 46%, Smokehead Rum Rebel will be available to buy online and from many UK specialist and online retailers.