Bristol T.D.L Rum for Haromex Dev. 2006

Bristol Classic Rum is an English bottler with a long history of chasing down closed and lesser seen Caribbean distillate, and this 2006 vintage points to Trinidad Distillers Limited, the column still house behind Angostura. Drawn from a single ex-bourbon cask and held back to 13 years, it lands in the soft, Spanish leaning idiom that defines living Trinidad rum, then pushes the strength well past the usual sipping range at 59.8%.

Molasses based and distilled clean on the column still, it was matured in ex-bourbon oak that lends caramel, vanilla and a dry woody backbone. The aroma carries sweet wood and a minty lift, the palate stays caramel rich and faintly medicinal, and the finish turns toward leather, spice and a touch of the dirty, savoury edge that Trinidad casks can show. Unsweetened in character and bottled at cask strength, it suits a slow pour with a few drops of water to open the wood and mint.