Saint Aubin 10 ans

Saint Aubin is a Mauritian estate producer, and this ten year expression is made from molasses rather than cane juice, so despite the island's agricole associations it drinks as a soft, sweeter aged rum. Mauritius sits outside the agricole appellations, placing this in island-rum rather than AOC territory.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak and bottled at 43%, it leans gourmand, with a nose of sweet raisin, wood and cinnamon, a palate of toffee, caramel and oak, and a finish that brings spice and a welcome dry edge to balance the sweetness. There is a faint whisky-like quality to the maturation and a nutty, chocolatey thread running underneath. Comfortable and easy at this strength, it works as an after-dinner sipper for those who enjoy a rounded, caramel-forward molasses rum.