Admiral Rodney HMS Royal Oak / Extra Old

Admiral Rodney is the aged sipping line from Saint Lucia Distillers, named for the naval commander and built from the island's column still rum. This expression carries a genuine twelve year age statement and, notably for an accessible sipper, no added sugar, so the sweetness reads as a product of the wood rather than dosage.

Twelve years in ex bourbon barrels under a warm climate softens the spirit and draws out an approachable profile. The nose shows raisin, vanilla, oak and fruit, the palate turns to caramel, vanilla and raisin with light spice, and roasted, spicy notes carry the finish. The body is creamy and gently sweet, a comfortable step up in age and oak without becoming demanding. It works neat, over ice or with cola, an undosed middle ground for drinkers who like a smooth Spanish style softness but prefer to skip the sugar.