Velier Beenleigh Fine Australian Rum 2006

This older Beenleigh, a 2006 vintage at fifteen years, is a Velier selection, carrying the Genoese house's full proof, additive free signature to one of Australia's oldest distilleries. It is a molasses rum drawn off pot and column stills and matured in ex-bourbon oak, bottled with nothing added.

The extra age brings depth and a distinctive orchard and spice character. The nose is fruity and floral with leather, the palate offers apricot, pear, dried fruit and leather over oak, and the finish stays dry with black tea and cinnamon. At 59% it has real intensity but the wood keeps it composed, a complex, fruit driven rum with a touch of funk and no sweetening to smooth it. A fine introduction to Australian rum for drinkers who like drier, oak driven styles and want to explore beyond the Caribbean, with structure that holds up to its strength.