US-based Sugarlands Distilling has introduced the new Mark and Digger's hazelnut rum.

The firm partnered with moonshine distillers Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes to develop the new rum.

Hazelnut rum consists of toasted hazelnut and brown sugar aromas, complemented by the vanilla, cinnamon and honey notes. The drink is reported to be smooth and smokey, and to have a sweet and oaky finish, featuring 80 proof.

"Our Hazelnut rum really became a labour of love, mainly because our wives became the first big fans of it."

Digger Manes said: "Our Hazelnut rum really became a labour of love, mainly because our wives became the first big fans of it.

"Because of them, we were determined to make it better than any other homemade liquor that anyone had ever tasted."

The distillers combined real hazelnuts with rum to develop the new expression.

Mark Ramsey said: "In the words of our mentor Popcorn Sutton, 'this is some of the finest liquors that's ever been.

"Now it is our pleasure to share it with the rest of the world. We're really humbled that folks are eager to try it."

The new rum expression was unveiled on 3 January by Manes and Ramsey at Sugarlands Distilling's Gatlinburg distillery.

The firm intends to initially offer the hazelnut rum at the Gatlinburg distillery and on its website buysugarlands.com.