A.F.D. Single Origin Rum Aroma Grande 2021

This Single Origin release comes from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos in the Dominican Republic, with selection by Danish house 1423, a bottler known for transparency about what it puts in the glass. Unusually for the region, the base is fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses, run through a column still and presented unsweetened at 57%. The Aroma Grande name is a fair warning: this is built around intensity, not polish.

The profile is firmly in glue and solvent territory, varnish and ester on the nose, more of the same plus citrus and a chemical edge across the palate, then a dry finish with marzipan and a flicker of chocolate. Neat, it is aggressive and divisive, closer to a high ester component than a sipper. Its real home is the shaker, where a small measure can lift a Daiquiri or a punch with sharp tropical funk. Approach it as a cocktail tool for drinkers who already chase overproof whites.