The Duchess Labourdonnais 9 2010

This 2010 is an independent single cask from The Duchess, drawn from the Labourdonnais distillery in Mauritius and distilled from fresh sugar-cane juice rather than molasses. Mauritius sits outside the protected agricole zone, so this is agricole-style cane-juice rum, given nine years in ex-bourbon oak and bottled unsweetened at full cask strength for drinkers who like things dry and forceful.

The cane-juice character stays bright through the ageing, with a fresh, floral, citrus-led nose opening into a spicy, fruity palate carrying wood and citrus, then a finish of ginger, honey, pepper and sugarcane. At 57.9% it hits hard and benefits from time to breathe, after which the big ginger-spice and floral cane notes settle. This is a punchy, dry single cask best met with a little water or patience, aimed at anyone who enjoys high-proof cane juice with bite.