Bristol Travellers Rum of 2005

Bristol Classic Rum, the long-running English specialist in closed and characterful distilleries, bottled this 2005 Travellers rum from Belize, an eleven year old column-still molasses spirit brought in at a well-judged 46%. Bristol's reputation is largely purist, and this sits as a rich, gourmand expression of Belizean rum.

Matured in ex-bourbon wood, it noses on chocolate, barrel, coffee and coconut. The palate is full and gourmand, with chocolate, caramel and a creamy texture carried by genuine power and plenty of pepper, before a finish that turns salty, dry and dark-chocolate-edged. The 46% strength feels well chosen, giving it weight and presence without heat, and the typical Belizean notes of coconut, caramel and dark chocolate come through clearly. For anyone after a powerful but polished tropical sipper with real depth, it is a satisfying and characterful glass.