Bristol Clarendon Rum 2011

Bottled by Bristol Classic Rum, a long running English specialist in liquid history, this is an eleven year old Clarendon distilled in 2011. Clarendon is a workhorse Jamaican estate, and this pot still release shows a clean, balanced side of the distillery at an approachable strength rather than overt funk.

Matured in ex-bourbon and bottled at 47 percent, it is fruity and lightly woody, with roasted wood, vanilla and gentle spice framing fresh tropical fruit, and a light, cocoa touched finish. The profile is typical Clarendon, beautifully balanced rather than aggressive. Certified unsweetened, it is an easygoing, fruit driven Jamaican that works equally well neat or stretched into a long drink, a clean introduction to the estate for drinkers who like balanced pot still rum.