Oskar Davidsen & Co Davidsen‘s XO 22 Blue Label

Oskar Davidsen & Co Davidsen's XO 22 Blue Label is a long aged blend gathered from across several rum producing countries, presented at a gentle 42% under the Davidsen's label. At 22 years it has had ample time in cask, and the molasses base and column still distillation point to a smooth, accessible style built for slow sipping.

Matured in ex bourbon barrels, it carries the dried fruit and confectionery signature that age and gentle wood tend to give. The aroma leads with apricot, marzipan and a soft ester lift over dried fruit, while the palate turns to brown sugar, caramel and a rounded, fruity sweetness. The finish is sweet and concentrated with a leathery, dessert like edge. Whether that sweetness is purely from long maturation or lifted further is unstated, so it is fairest to call it a soft, sweet leaning style rather than a bone dry one, an easy after dinner pour for those who like their rum mellow.