Velier Bielle Rhum Rhum Libération Integrale 2015 2009

Liberation is the Rhum Rhum project bottled by Velier from the Bielle distillery on Marie-Galante, here a 2009 vintage matured six years. Unusually for the island it is distilled on a pot still rather than a column, made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses, and bottled unsweetened at a robust 58.4%. It belongs to a line that drinkers have long held in high regard for its intensity and balance.

The pot still gives it a fuller, more aromatic body than a typical agricole, and Ex-Bourbon ageing has added dry, tannic oak. Expect citrus, dried apricot and honeyed cane up front, with hints of glue, dark chocolate and tobacco adding depth. The palate runs dry with raisin and woody spice, and the finish is long and slowly shifting. The strength stays impressively well integrated for the proof. For those who enjoy intense, dry agricoles or other Liberation vintages, this pushes the fruit, spice and oak further while keeping the alcohol in check.