Isle of Skye Whisky Brings a Taste of the Caribbean to Scotch with New Limited Edition Rum Cask Finish

Ian Macleod Distillers releases Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish, a 10-Year-Old blended Scotch that reimagines summer whisky drinking through a finish that balances tropical sweetness with the brand's signature gentle island smoke.

EDINBURGH (August 2026) – From the rugged shores of Scotland's Isle of Skye to the sun-drenched Caribbean, two island traditions come together in Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish. This limited-edition Scotch whisky has been expertly finished in specially chosen Caribbean rum casks. The influence of the rum casks amplifies the Isle of Skye’s signature soft smoke and fruit, delivering a rich and rewarding new experience for Scotch lovers.

The release reflects a growing curiosity among whisky drinkers for cask-finished expressions that introduce new layers of flavor while preserving the character of the spirit itself. Rather than overpowering the blend, the rum casks were selected to complement Isle of Skye's distinctive island character, adding notes of ripe banana, peach, berry fruit and creamy vanilla before giving way to a lingering finish of dried fruit, ginger and oak spice. The result is a whisky that feels equally at home neat, poured over ice or mixed into a refreshing highball.

"Finishing should never hide a whisky's identity. It should reveal another side of it," said Gordon Dallas, Brand Ambassador for Isle of Skye Whisky. "With this expression, the goal wasn't to make a rum-flavored Scotch; it was to use Caribbean rum casks to amplify the fruit, smoothness and gentle smoke that have always been part of Isle of Skye. The result is richly rewarding, delivering the complexity whisky drinkers expect."

While rum cask finishing has become increasingly popular across the Scotch category, the practice remains relatively uncommon among aged blended Scotch whiskies. Isle of Skye's 10-Year-Old Rum Cask Finish offers consumers an opportunity to experience the style through an age-stated expression that delivers exceptional character and value.

The inspiration comes from two island traditions. On Scotland's Isle of Skye, generations of whisky makers have crafted a signature style that balances fruit and subtle smoke. In the Caribbean, rum casks develop rich notes of molasses, tropical fruit and baking spice in a warm climate. Bringing these influences together creates a distinctive new expression that stays true to the character of both traditions.

Malt Master's Tasting Notes include:

• Nose: Fresh aromas of green banana, peach, blackcurrant and lightly toasted malt.
• Palate: Rounded and creamy with berry fruit, vanilla and a gentle wave of island peat.
• Finish: Dried fruit, ginger and warming oak spice.

Isle of Skye Rum Cask is best enjoyed in signature serves such as:

Whisky Piña Colada

• 1.75 oz Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish
• 1.75 oz Coco Lopez Coconut Cream
• 1.75 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 0.25 oz lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pineapple frond garnish

Highland Tidal

• 1.75 oz Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish
• 2 dashes of tiki bitters
• Top with ginger ale
• Candied ginger and orange peel garnish

Skye Cocoa Fashioned

• 1.75 oz Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish
• 0.25 oz banana liqueur
• 1 barspoon of cold brew concentrate
• 1 dash cocoa bitters
• Orange peel garnish

As consumers continue to embrace lighter serves and seasonal whisky occasions, the Isle of Skye Rum Cask Finish offers a fresh perspective on where and when Scotch belongs. Whether enjoyed in a signature serve, on a patio, in a summer highball, or shared around the grill, it showcases the versatility of Scotch whisky across every season and occasion.

Bottled at 40% ABV, the Isle of Skye 10-Year-Old Rum Cask Finish carries a suggested retail price of $27.99 and will be available for a limited time at Total Wine & More stores nationwide.

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About Isle of Skye Whisky:

Produced by Ian Macleod Distillers, Isle of Skye has crafted blended Scotch whisky inspired by Scotland's iconic island landscape for generations. Known for its balanced style of fruit, malt and gentle smoke, the award-winning range includes Isle of Skye 25 Year Old, named Best Blended Scotch in the World at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Continuing its blending heritage, Isle of Skye explores new expressions that invite more people to discover the versatility of Scotch whisky.

Media Contact:

Curich Weiss Amplify | ianmacleoddistillers@curichweiss.com