Beenleigh RA Australian Rum 2007

This is a 2007 vintage Beenleigh selected by Rum Artesanal, the respected German independent run under Heinz Eggert GmbH and prized for full proof, single cask bottlings in the unsweetened tradition. Beenleigh is one of Australia's oldest distilleries, and this fifteen year old molasses rum comes off a pot still, aged in ex bourbon oak and bottled from a single cask at a formidable 67.5%.

That strength carries a wall of yellow stone fruit, peach, apricot and mirabelle to the fore, with citrus, honeyed sweetness and a warming chili spice running through a roasted, woody frame. It is surprisingly drinkable for the proof, intense and concentrated yet balanced, and best given time in the glass and a drop of water to open. Unsweetened and full of fruit driven energy, it suits experienced palates who chase high strength rums and want the dial turned firmly toward ripe orchard fruit and spice.