CDI Beenleigh 2013

Compagnie des Indes, the terroir led French house, selected this eight year old Beenleigh from Queensland, a 2013 single cask bottled natural at cask strength, 59.1%. As a full proof single cask it sits among the firm's purist releases rather than its lightly dosed entry blends, an unsweetened and uncompromising Australian rum.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, the spirit is dry and vigorous, with apple, citrus and a spirity edge on the nose and a palate of apple, spice and warm wood over a roasted, grape tinged finish. Several drinkers find the alcohol aggressive at first and recommend a good rest in the glass, after which the apple and spice emerge more clearly. With no added sugar and plenty of heat, this is a punchy sipper for those who already enjoy Beenleigh and are willing to give it air.