CoR Uitvlugt 1999

The Colours of Rum bottled this single cask of Uitvlugt from 1999, twenty-one years old and matured in Europe rather than the tropics. Uitvlugt ran a Savalle column but also recreated lost marques, and the heavy, salty Port Mourant style several tasters recognise here points to one of those darker recipes rather than the lighter, cleaner column profile.

The continental ageing keeps it gentler and more measured than a tropical equivalent of the same age, leaving room for the spirit's character. Expect aniseed, salt, liquorice, raisin, citrus peel and black tea on the nose, then a balanced palate of salt, herbs, wood and subtle dark fruit. Unsweetened and dry, it finishes long, woody and herbal. At 52.6 percent it stays poised and classic, a contemplative pour for anyone drawn to old continental Port Mourant and Enmore.