Bristol Dominican Rum (Madeira Wood Finish) 2013

This Dominican single origin comes from Bristol Classic Rum, the long running English bottler that has built its name on closed distilleries and quiet liquid history. Distilled from molasses on a column still in the Dominican Republic and laid down in 2013, it carries nine years before a Madeira cask finish rounds it off, a gentle wine wood layer on top of the light Spanish style base.

The nose leans fruity and honeyed, with tropical fruit and orange, while the palate turns to vanilla, soft wood, spice and brown sugar before a finish of banana, sweet chocolate and a touch of warm spice. The Madeira influence is present rather than dominant, broadening the profile without overwhelming the easy Dominican character. At 47% it drinks mild and rounded, a relaxed Spanish style pour for someone who likes a hint of wine cask fruit without losing approachability.