CDI Grays (Perola) 2010

This Perola release is a single cask from the Mauritian producer Grays, selected by the French house Compagnie des Indes, known for its terroir led, broad origin range. Distilled from fresh pressed cane juice in the agricole style and aged eleven years with a Cognac influence, it is bottled unsweetened at cask strength, a characterful expression of Mauritian rum at 57.8%.

The profile is unusually fresh and minty, the nose led by sour cherry, eucalyptus and grapefruit, the palate echoing the menthol and tart cherry, the finish carrying grapefruit, tea and eucalyptus over dry oak. The Cognac maturation adds depth without sweetness, the whole leaning vivid and aromatic rather than rich. At full strength it rewards attention with a strong menthol twist that sets it apart, a complex, dry sipper for experienced palates who like fresh, characterful rum.