Bellevue RA Rum 1998

This Bellevue is a long aged Guadeloupe rum, distilled in 1998 from a blend of molasses and cane juice, and bottled by the German house Rum Artesanal under its Rum Artesanal label. A respected name in the unsweetened full proof tradition, Rum Artesanal has selected a single cask that, at twenty one years and 53.8%, sits firmly on the dry, mature, oak driven side of the island spectrum.

Matured in ex bourbon wood at cask strength, the long ageing has built a savoury, herbal profile: black tea and mint, dried fruits and prunes, tobacco and smoky, well integrated oak, finishing dry and woody. There is little of the bright fruit of a young agricole here, the rum trading freshness for depth and structure that will appeal to drinkers who favour dry Demerara. Unsweetened and characterful, it is a serious neat pour for those who like their aged rum firm, smoky and uncompromising.