Le Gus‘t Diamond Demerara Rum Cuffy 2002

Le Gust bottled this 2002 Diamond as a single ex-bourbon cask at a towering 66.9%, an unsweetened 16 Year Old that wears its strength openly. Drawn from the Diamond distillery, the home of Guyanese rum, this is a full proof Demerara built for drinkers who want the spirit raw and undiluted, and it asks for water and patience.

The nose is heavy and sweet with glue, vanilla, woody notes and roasted almonds, the high-ester resinous character that some read as a hallmark of a successful Demerara. The palate is forceful at this strength, rubber and red pepper riding the barrel and roast, with the alcohol very much present until a few drops open it up. The finish brings roasted barrel, leather and more red pepper. There is candied fruit and fine baking spice buried in there too, rewarding anyone willing to work with the proof. This is an intense, characterful single cask for experienced palates who enjoy the muscular end of Guyana.