Seems like lately I’m on a Rum roll and finding different excuses to try and report back to you about Rum or Rum finished whiskies. In another gathering not so long ago we started our drinking with yet another Peated/Rum combo whisky – The BenRiach 12yo Arumaticus Fumosus Peated/Rum. I was curious as I tasted another Rum/Peat whisky few days before that (Chieftain’s Caol Ila), but this one is an official bottling and not from Islay. Let’s dive in:
Benriach 12 Year Old Arumaticus Fumosus / Peated / Dark Rum Cask (46%, buy for £34.95 here)
Nose: Clean and fresh peat it’s definitely not Islay style, sweet banana. overall quite simple nose with not much rum impact.
Palate: Similar to the nose – peat, charred sweet oak, sweet banana, caramelized sugar.
Finish: medium length with peat and lingering sweetness
Conclusion: Average and a bit bland whisky. I’ve tasted way better BenRiachs and this combo here of Rum and Peat doesn’t works well like the Chieftain’s Caol Ila one does.
Whisky Gospel 
Maybe in a future tasting we’ll have the BenRiach 15YO Dark Rum finish… See how that compares. the above bottle has been retired to a stand on my shelf of empties – I felt it had quit a bit more of the rum influence than you mention. Whetehr or not it can compare to the Caol Ila I can;t say, as I have never tried it. Get the Teapot ready 😉