MacNairs Exploration – Peated Jamaican Rum

Billy Walker is amongst the most respected blenders in Scotland, having developed countless award-winning Scotch whiskies across his 50-year tenure in the industry.

Known for his flair for innovation, meticulous wood policy, and vigilant hands-on approach to monitoring all stages of production, Billy is continuing the experimental “spirit” of Harvey MacNair… with a little more scientific accuracy!

Now venturing into new spirits categories, Billy is using his decades of knowledge to bottle only the finest quality small-batch spirits from around the world, with a unique and innovative twist!

When it comes to rum, Billy searches out the world’s finest and elevates them to optimum flavour experience at The GlenAllachie Distillery through blending and marrying in premium quality casks, assured by decades of masterful expertise.

Then the final cask selection is made and blended by Billy to be bottled in Scotland as Exploration Rum. No artificial colour or chill-filtration. Always exquisitely eclectic.

Master Blender Billy Walker sourced high, low and medium ester spirit from Southern Jamaica’s Clarendon Distillery, an island renowned for producing some of the most flavourful rums in the world. This pot still rum has enjoyed full maturation in the cool climate of Scotland at The GlenAllachie Distillery.

Initially filled to a mixture of American and French oak at 86% ABV, the rum was left to mature for 30 months at high, medium and low ester levels. After being expertly blended and reduced to 69% ABV, the spirit was re-filled to a similar cohort of casks to complete its maturation journey. The result is a complex and rich, yet delightfully fruity expression which truly showcases the wonder of wood.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Huge helpings of charred pineapple and banana chips, smoked oak, creamy butterscotch, and distant barbecues.

Palate: Mango salsa comes to mind, with smoked chilli and flamed citrus peels. Sticky caramel, earthen vanilla, and bittersweet dark chocolate join.

Finish: A prickle of root ginger on the finish, with hearty oak char and rich, funky cane.