Savanna The Wild Island Édition – Cascade 2007

Savanna on Reunion has distilled since 1870 and makes several very different families of rum, and this Wild Island Cascade is from its traditional molasses line rather than its agricole or Grand Arome ranges. Drawn from a 2007 vintage and aged thirteen years, it is finished in Cognac and Port casks, which shape its character heavily, and it is bottled unsweetened at 55.2%.

The wine and brandy wood does much of the talking here, throwing off vivid red fruit, cherry, dark chocolate and peppery spice, with the molasses distillate playing a quieter, supporting role beneath. The palate is dry and structured with red fruit and pepper, and the finish carries oak and a faint bitterness. This is a cask led style for drinkers who enjoy the wood forward side of Savanna, where the casks lead. Anyone who likes structured rums with Port and Cognac influence, and does not mind the spirit sitting behind the wood, will find plenty to chew on.