CDI Beenleigh (Plaisir di Vin & Rum Stylez) 2013

Compagnie des Indes, the respected, terroir led French bottler, selected this Beenleigh single cask from a 2013 distillation, aged nine and a half years and released unsweetened at cask strength, 57.7 percent. It draws on one of Australia's oldest distilleries and was bottled in collaboration with Plaisir di Vin and Rum Stylez, a clean, distinctive release.

Matured in ex bourbon, the natural cask strength keeps it lean and expressive rather than soft. The nose is strikingly herbal, with mint, eucalyptus and fruit, the palate carries fruit, herbs, pear and wood with a whisper of cane, and the finish returns to herbs, barrel, eucalyptus and a touch of caramel. The mouthfeel is on the leaner side and there is a bit of bite at the proof. Unsweetened and quirky, it rewards drinkers who enjoy clean, herbal rum with a fresh, slightly edgy Australian character.