Cane Island

Cane Island bottles this five year old rum from Thailand, a column still spirit matured in ex-bourbon oak and offered at a comfortable 43%. It works as a friendly introduction to Thai rum, a category many drinkers have never tried, keeping things soft and slightly sweet rather than challenging while still bringing a little local character to set it apart from a generic Caribbean blend.

The profile runs to vanilla, caramel, raisin and light fruit, with a woody, peppery streak and an unexpected tobacco and cappuccino note that gives it interest. Maturation in bourbon barrels supplies the familiar vanilla and oak frame, and at 43% it stays easy to drink. The sweetness is undeclared and reads as gentle rather than heavy. For drinkers who like easygoing column rums such as Doorly's or Mount Gay Eclipse and fancy something a touch different, this Thai bottling offers a pleasant twist that serves neat for beginners and mixes happily too.