Six Isles Rum Cask Finish

You are probably familiar with the Six Isles, a vatted (excuse me, blended) malt from 6 islands (Jura, Orkney, Mull, Skye, Arran and Islay – hence the name). But since early 2013 there is also this Six Isles St Etienne Rum Finish. After maturation on bourbon casks, it was finished on Caribbean rum casks.

The nose is soft, but very peaty with some medicinal notes, just like the classic Six Isles. Some smoked bacon on the barbecue and sweet fruit, joined by vanilla and honey. Quite some ashes, which I find to be a plus. The rum gives it an extra sweet edge of red fruit. Unfortunately, it also smells a bit like bubblegum, which I do not find to be a plus.

This translate into an oily, softly peaty palate with winegums and citrus. Torfee and salt, sure, but also red fruit. Berries and strawberries. Nicer than what the nose promised.

Long, dry finish on ashes and strawberries, with the requisite spices such as pepper and cloves.

I quite liked the classic Six Isles, especially for that price. This one is around 50 EUR, quite a bit more expensive, although it does not offer all that much more. This is also Six Isles Petrus Gaia, Six Isles Pomerol and Six Isles Claret