Isautier L’Elise Rhum Vieux Agricole Antipodes 2006

Isautier is one of Reunion's oldest rum houses, and this L'Elise Antipodes 2006 is a single cask drawn from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice rather than molasses. Fifteen years of tropical maturation in ex-bourbon oak shows in the colour and the concentration, the kind of depth that island heat builds far faster than a cooler European cellar would.

Bottled at a natural 55% with no added sugar, it runs dry and assertive. Caramel, dried fruit, florals and wood lead the nose, while the palate turns peppery and firm, fruit edged with a distinct earthy, tobacco-leaf character. The finish is woody and earthy with dried fruit and a return of caramel. This is agricole-style cane juice with Reunion accent and full strength, best given air and a little water to open out the apricot and floral notes.