A.F.D. Ron Barceló Imperial Rare Blend Mizunara Cask

This Ron Barcelo Imperial Rare Blend comes from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos in the Dominican Republic, finished in Mizunara, the prized Japanese oak that lends its own incense and spice. The rum carries a cane juice base and arrives at 43%, a touch firmer than the standard Imperial and pushed in a more wood forward direction by that unusual cask.

The nose offers caramel, oak, coconut and vanilla, and the palate leans into coconut, chocolate and a roasted, woody depth before a spicy, lightly sweet finish. It stays recognisably Dominican and smooth, but the Mizunara adds extra grip and a spicier, more chocolatey character than the easy going core bottling. Slightly sweet and quite woody, it works well as an after dinner sipper for those who enjoy the house style, and holds up in a cocktail where its oak and coconut can carry the drink.