CDI Secret (Bottled for Germany) 2008

CDI Secret Bottled for Germany 2008 is a single cask Panamanian rum from Compagnie des Indes, the French house known for natural, terroir led single casks. Drawn from a 2008 vintage and bottled unsweetened at cask strength, a powerful 61.2%, this is a dry, intense take that stands well apart from Panama's usual soft, vanilla led style.

The column still molasses spirit shows vanilla, caramel and dried fruit on the nose, then a dry, savoury palate of roasted nuts, dried fruits and spice, with leather and light smoke filling out a long, spiced finish. With no added sugar to round it off, the high proof and the wood drive the experience. This is a characterful outlier for the region, a dry, punchy single cask for drinkers who find typical sweet Panama profiles dull, generous in flavour and best approached neat with a little air, provided the strength is welcome.