Beenleigh Rumclub Private Selection Ed. 20 14 Years 2007

This is a 14 year old single cask from Beenleigh, one of Australia's oldest distilleries, selected for the Rumclub Private Selection and bottled by Spirit of Rum. It is a molasses rum from the 2007 vintage, taken to cask strength at a serious 65.5%, the kind of full proof, characterful bottling aimed at drinkers who like their rum powerful and undiluted.

Long maturation in ex-bourbon oak has built real depth. The nose opens with pungent alcohol that settles into dried fruit, ripe banana, vanilla and tobacco, while the palate turns dark and wood driven with chocolate, roasted spice, oak and a eucalyptus lift. The finish is long, dry and roasted. At this strength a few drops of water and time in the glass pull it together and let the fruit emerge. A dark, complex Australian for experienced palates who enjoy full-proof Beenleigh or wood-forward St Lucia, and who want intensity with a generous dose of oak.