Savanna Créol 2007

Savanna on Reunion makes several rum families, and this Creol is its cane juice agricole, a 2007 vintage aged nine years and bottled at cask strength, 61.8%. Distilled from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice with no added sugar, it sits at the dry, high-octane end of the island's output.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it carries an unusual orchard-fruit character, with apple and pear leading alongside a cognac-like, vinous note, light strawberry and dried apricot. Underneath sits woody spice, dryness and a touch of smoke, and the finish brings brown sugar, coconut and grassy cane. At nearly 62% it is powerful and tannic, rewarding a splash of water to round out the edges. A dry, characterful Reunion agricole for experienced drinkers who like cask strength and a fruit-meets-wood profile with real grip rather than easy sweetness.