A.H. Riise XO Founders Reserve 2nd Edition

A.H. Riise XO Founders Reserve 2nd Edition is a no-age-statement Virgin Islands rum from the long-established Danish-rooted brand, a molasses spirit bottled at 44.3% in the house's signature rich, sweet style. It belongs to the indulgent, dessert end of the rum world, built for comfort rather than austerity.

The nose offers orange, nutty and woody notes with warm spice, and the palate turns notably sweet and buttery, all almond, cookie and caramel folding into a syrupy, caramelised finish. Honesty is fair here, this is a soft, sweet, liqueur-leaning rum where richness and smoothness are the point, with the brand's familiar baking-spice warmth tucked behind a more woody, nutty character in this edition. Those who enjoy sweet, after-dinner sippers will find it generous and easy, while drinkers chasing dry structure should approach knowing what it is.