Bologne Dark Sail 2021

Bologne is a Basse Terre distillery in Guadeloupe, and Dark Sail shows its aged, dessert leaning side, made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice on a column still and bottled at a sociable 43%. It ticks the boxes of an old Guadeloupe agricole, both indulgent and dry at the same time.

The nose is gourmand with butterscotch, milk chocolate, fresh cane and a floral lift, and the palate carries woody, chocolatey and butterscotch notes with the agricole backbone still showing through. The finish stays woody and chocolatey with allspice and a fruity edge, drier than the rich aromatics might suggest. With its orange and bitter chocolate character and modest strength, it works equally well before or after a meal, a well balanced and approachable aged agricole for drinkers who like cane juice rum with a sweeter, pastry like accent.