Bocatheva Limited Edition

Bocatheva is a limited Barbados bottling built on heavy double-retort pot still distillate, the rich, aromatic end of the island blend rather than the cleaner column style. Twelve years of ageing in ex-bourbon oak and a moderate 45% give it weight without heat, and the spirit is left unsweetened so the fruit and wood speak plainly.

Molasses fermentation lends a slightly funky, orchard-fruit nose of fermented apple and something earthy and cellar-like, while the palate turns more classic with dried apricot, leather and apple over toasted barrel. The finish softens into caramel, coconut and a touch of pineapple. It drinks as an honest, characterful Bajan sipper, fairly priced for the age and pitched at drinkers who like their rum dry and woody rather than sweet.