Samaroli T.D.L Fernandes 2003

Samaroli's TDL Fernandes 2003 comes from the historic Italian bottler Samaroli, long known for elegant, balanced single casks released at deliberately reduced proof. The rum is a Trinidad single cask distilled at the Fernandes plant, part of the TDL operation, and presented at 19 years old.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak and bottled unsweetened at a very approachable 55%, it captures the island's minty, savoury character in a refined form: mint and menthol lead, woven through red and stone fruit, caramel, light smoke and tobacco, with a cooling, woody, peach tinged finish. The reduced strength gives it real poise and texture without blunting expression, so it feels both vivid and easy to drink. For those who enjoy the lightly dirty, minty side of Trinidad rum, this is an elegant, well judged bottling that balances character with drinkability.