Capulet & Montague Brands GmbH Bonpland Rouge VSOP

Bonpland Rouge VSOP comes from Capulet and Montague Brands in Germany, a 4 year old Guatemalan rum finished in German red wine casks and bottled at 40%. The red wine finish gives the Rouge its name and steers the profile toward a coffee and spice character.

The nose shows real intensity with coffee, vanilla, a varnish edge and tropical fruit, but the palate does not quite hold that level, turning dry, spicy, woody and tannic over a fairly thin body, with a spicy, lightly alcoholic finish. The red wine cask is most evident late, lending a mocha and spiced lift, though its influence stays understated. There is a light sweetness and a pleasant coffee roastery character that some will enjoy, but overall this reads as a competent, middle of the road sipper rather than a bold one. It suits relaxed, casual drinking for those who like a light, coffee leaning rum, while drinkers after depth may find it slight.