Isautier L’Apollonie Rhum Vieux Traditionnel 2005

Isautier L'Apollonie Rhum Vieux Traditionnel 2005 is a sixteen year old rum from the long-established Isautier house on Reunion, drawn from the 2005 vintage and bottled as a single cask at 55% with no added sugar. Reunion makes both cane-juice and molasses rums, and this aged traditionnel shows the depth that long tropical maturation can build into an island spirit.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it has grown into a refined, balanced rum that wears its age and strength lightly. Roasted wood, dried apricot, grapes and a herbal lift lead the nose, then dried and red fruit, cacao and roasted oak fill the palate, with a woody, minty, dried-fruit finish. At 55% it stays moderately intense and surprisingly easy, the cask freshness keeping it lively rather than heavy. A polished sipper for drinkers who enjoy well-aged rum with fruit and herbal freshness alongside the wood, and no added sugar to blur the edges.