Velier Carrere Montebello Basseterre 1995

This is a Carrere Montebello from Guadeloupe, distilled in 1995 from a blend of molasses and cane juice and bottled at twelve years by Velier, the Genoa house regarded as the most prestigious name in collectible rum. A full proof bottling at 58.2% from this respected producer, it offers an aged, agricole leaning Guadeloupe rum with the depth and power that Velier selections are known for.

Column distilled and matured in ex bourbon oak at cask strength, it opens with solvent and glue tinged funk before turning fresh and spicy: caramel and vanilla, citrus and tobacco over a grassy sugarcane base, with herbal notes and a long, powerful, complex finish carrying orange, coffee and a cigar box edge. The blend of cane and molasses character gives it both lift and weight. Unsweetened and full of presence, this is a rum for experienced palates, best sipped neat to follow its evolution from raw funk to polished spice.