Cane Rum Bottling Company South Pacific Single Cask Rum 2002

The Cane Rum Bottling Company chose this single cask of South Pacific Distilleries rum, a 21 year old Fijian aged in ex-bourbon wood and bottled at cask strength of 61%. Drawn from pot and column distillate and left unsweetened, it is a long-aged, characterful Fiji aimed at drinkers who already know the island's distinctive style.

The nose mixes sweet ripe fruit with wood and a petrol-like note that marks out aged Fijian rum. The palate echoes that, sweet and fruity up front before woody spice and a dry, slightly astringent edge take hold, finishing on fruit, oak, tea and pepper. Two decades of tropical ageing give it real intensity, and the funk and astringency reward slow, attentive sipping after some time open in the glass. For those who enjoy older, dry Fijis and oak-forward single casks, it offers familiar power with a spicier, more astringent twist.