Famille Ricci Ten Cane Zodiac Vierge 2023 2008

Famille Ricci select this single cask of Ten Cane, a Trinidad rum from the 2008 vintage, bottled at fifteen years and a forceful 63%. Unsweetened and pot still driven, it sits firmly at the bold, dry end of Trinidad rather than the island's lighter, cocktail-friendly mainstream, a serious bottle aimed at experienced palates.

From molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it is dark and spice-led throughout. The nose is woody and toasted with roasted almonds and dried fruit, the palate dense with dark chocolate, barrel char and an intense spicy core, and the finish long on dried fruit, dark chocolate and sour cherry over more wood. The fruit sits in the background and the wood and spice dominate, so this near-cask-strength Ten Cane suits drinkers chasing depth and a notably long, warming close rather than easy refreshment.