Cave Guildive Bielle Rum 2008

Bielle is a Marie-Galante distillery known for its cane juice rum, and this nine year old from the 2008 harvest is bottled by Cave Guildive, an Italian independent. Made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice and bottled at 55%, it is a layered yet surprisingly easygoing agricole, the kind that rewards attention without making you work for it.

Distilled on a column and matured in ex bourbon wood, it balances citrussy cane freshness with rounder aged notes. The nose runs vanilla, citrus, agricole greenery and florals, the palate keeps vanilla and a spicy, agricole character over more citrus, and the finish turns dried fruit and hay with a faint rubbery funk and a light, dry woodiness. Tasters pick out everything from lavender and mint to kiwi and toffee, and despite the strength it stays round and drinkable, a characterful sipper for anyone who already enjoys citrussy Bielle.