Grays New Grove Spiced

New Grove is the rum label of Grays in Mauritius, and this Spiced expression works from a molasses base distilled on a column still. Mauritius makes both cane-juice and molasses rum, and this sits in the molasses camp, dressed up with gentle spicing rather than aged for depth.

The profile is straightforward, with dried fruit on the nose and a fruity palate, an uncomplicated and easygoing island spirit rather than a layered sipper. At 37.5% it is light in body and modest in intensity, the kind of spiced rum that earns its keep in the mixing glass. It works best as a base for blends and cocktails, a tropical-leaning planteur or a simple long drink, where its fruit and light spice can lift a mix rather than being asked to carry a tasting on its own.