CoR 2008

Bottled by The Colours of Rum, this fourteen year old Jamaican blend pulls distillate from four heavyweight houses at once, Long Pond, Monymusk, New Yarmouth and Worthy Park, and presents it at a sturdy 58.9%. The result reads unmistakably as Jamaica without tying itself to a single distillery signature, which is part of the appeal for drinkers who like to chase the island's DNA across estates.

Fermented from molasses and aged in ex-bourbon oak, it opens on tropical fruit, pineapple and citrus with the ester lift these distilleries are known for, then turns drier and woodier through the finish with allspice and black pepper. There is sweetness in the middle, but this is built for attention rather than easy sipping, prickly and structured at near full proof. Best taken neat with a little time in the glass.