Cañero Single Barrel „La Rhumerie“ 1989

Cañero's Single Barrel from the La Rhumerie selection is an unusual Nicaraguan, a 1989 vintage distilled on a pot still from fresh sugar cane juice, a sharp departure from the column-and-molasses Spanish-style norm, and bottled at 40%. The pot still and cane-juice base give it a more rustic, characterful profile than the region's usual soft ron.

The nose is mild and soft with medicinal and earthy notes. The palate is gentle yet textured, soft and woody with a peppery edge and a touch of alcohol. The finish turns dark and earthy, burnt sugar over a savoury base. This is an idiosyncratic, slightly funky old single barrel rather than a smooth crowd-pleaser, the kind of rum that pairs well with a cigar and rewards a curious palate. Drinkers seeking a sweet, polished Nicaraguan should look elsewhere; this is an off-beat, earthy pour for the adventurous.