T.D.L Plantation One-Time 2009

This 2009 vintage comes from TDL, the living Trinidad distillery in the Angostura group, and is a single-island bottling selected and re-aged by Maison Ferrand. Notably it carries no dosage, putting it among the brand's transparent, enthusiast-facing collection releases rather than its sweetened core, and at cask strength it shows the spirit clearly.

TDL is a column still house making light, fragrant Trinidad rum, and this 12 year leans fresh and fruity rather than heavy. Aged in ex-bourbon oak, it shows tropical fruit, vanilla and a distinct minty lift on the nose, then a palate of tropical fruit, mint and spice over vanilla, with light tar and rubber kept to the background and young wood underneath. The finish carries mint, black tea, burnt sugar and orange peel. At 51.8% it stays vibrant and well integrated, a fresh, characterful daily sipper for drinkers who like a slightly fruity, lightly dirty Trinidad without any added sweetness.