Old Brothers 70.1 – Le 1802 Monte Cristo

Old Brothers 70.1 Le 1802 Monte Cristo is an overproof Panamanian from the French independent Old Brothers, and it sits well outside the soft, sweet Panamanian norm. This is unaged or lightly aged molasses spirit distilled on a column still, bottled unsweetened at a fierce 70.1% with the raw distillate left in full view.

The result is a savoury, mineral white rum. The nose is metallic and vegetal with olive and a mineral edge, the palate runs mineral, floral and vegetal with more olive, and the finish brings copper, light peat and citrus. The character leans high ester and industrial, with brine and yeast in the mix and very little sweetness to soften it. At this strength it bites hard unless well rested and carefully diluted. A dry, intense, unusual pour for adventurous drinkers who enjoy characterful white rums and bold tiki style cocktails, not a gentle sipper.