1731 Fine & Rare Trinidad Barbados Jamaica XO Rum

1731 Fine and Rare assembles single-origin and blended rums with a light hand and no dosage games, and this XO marries molasses distillate from Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica across pot and column stills. Bottled at 46%, it sets out to let three islands speak without one shouting the others down.

The result drinks fresher and greener than the XO name suggests. The nose is fruity with white grape and fresh grass, almost reminiscent of an unaged agricole, while the palate stays mellow with straw, mild spice and a gentle warmth rather than heat. Wood, fruit and a touch of Jamaican funk carry into a short finish. It is an honest, unfussy island blend that leans toward the bright and herbal end of the spectrum, more refreshment than after-dinner heft.