Samaroli Epris Samba Blended Rum (2023) 2011

Cachaça is Brazil's own protected cane spirit, made from fresh-pressed, fermented sugar cane juice rather than molasses, and this Epris bottling comes from the Italian purist house Samaroli, known for elegant, unsweetened single casks at considered strength. Aged six years from a 2011 vintage in ex-bourbon and bottled at 50%, it is presented as a sipping cachaça rather than a caipirinha workhorse.

The nose is expressive and inviting, flowery and fruity over caramel and cocoa. The palate keeps that depth, nutty and lightly funky with cocoa and a soft sweetness, the cane character still legible beneath the oak. The finish is round, warm and chocolatey. This is an aged cachaça with genuine sipping credentials, the fresh-cane base giving it a vegetal, fruity lift that sets it apart from molasses rum, while Samaroli's restrained, additive-free approach lets that Brazilian character speak clearly. A characterful curiosity for the adventurous drinker.