Bristol Foursquare Reserve Rum of 2011

Bottled by Bristol Classic Rum, this Reserve is a 2011 Foursquare, the dry, additive-free Barbados rum from Richard Seale's St Philip distillery, where rich double-retort pot still is blended with cleaner twin-column Coffey rum. Brought down to an approachable 47%, it trades intensity for easy drinkability while keeping the no-sugar honesty the distillery is known for.

The molasses spirit, aged in the house style of ex-bourbon oak, offers dried fruit, caramel, oak and coconut on the nose, with chocolate and wood on the palate and a finish of dried fruit, wood and gentle spice. There is a fresher, almost melon-like lift here that steps slightly away from the usual coconut-caramel template. Even at reduced strength it stays pleasurable and balanced, an unsweetened, sippable Bajan rum that wears its character lightly.