Bombarda Culverin (Caribbean Dark Rum Rare Blend)

Bombarda Culverin is a Caribbean dark rum sold as a rare blend, a five year old Barbados expression made from molasses and bottled at 43%. It sits at the everyday end of the island's range, a young blended rum whose nose promises more than the palate delivers, and it is best approached without lofty expectations.

With ex-bourbon oak behind it, the aromatics are appealing, banana, pineapple, tobacco and yellow fruit, but the palate turns thinner, with tobacco, apple and banana over a body that lacks weight. The finish runs hot and sharp with a sugary, spirity edge. Tasters suggest it benefits from mixing, and that is the fair read, a young, fruit-nosed Barbados blend that works better lengthened in a cocktail than studied neat, where its lighter frame and warm finish are easier to enjoy.