Islay Rum Company – Peat Spiced Mini (Rum-Based) – 40%

In the historic surroundings of Port Ellen, this rum is produced at the ‘Old Lemonade Factory’ under the supervision of Distillery Manager Ben Inglis. The production process adheres to an uncompromising artisanal ethos: a 168-hour fermentation using special Prometheus yeast lays the aromatic foundation, before distillation takes place over seven hours in a classic copper pot still with a double retort. The unique selling point of this batch, however, is the finishing process, during which the distillate is smoked over a genuine peat fire – a tribute to the island’s identity.

In the bottle, the spirit presents itself in a warm terracotta hue that already hints at the depth of its aromas. The bouquet is immediately dominated by a distinctive smoky note, which nevertheless leaves room for subtle nuances of cocoa and zesty orange. On the palate, a complex texture unfolds, where the spiciness of ginger and the tart sweetness of cocoa nibs meet the dry, peaty character of Islay peat. It is a captivating interplay between the dark fruitiness of a spiced rum and the powerful character of a smoky island spirit.