CDI Secret 2014

This CDI Secret 2014 is a Beenleigh distillate from Australia, bottled by the respected French house Compagnie des Indes from a 2014 vintage at just under eight years old. Florent Beuchet's outfit is known for terroir led, broad origin releases, and this one is matured with a pronounced Fino sherry influence and bottled at a relaxed 42%.

The Fino is the defining feature here. Dry sherry, dried fruit and a vegetal, woody character lead the nose, the palate brings leather, plum and more sherry, and the finish turns nutty with hay, hazelnut and nougat. That big Fino overlay tends to override the underlying Australian character rather than sit alongside it, so the typical pear and ginger funk of the origin is muted. The result is a laid back, harmonious and easy sipping rum, a gentle way to meet a sherry finish, provided you go in expecting the cask to lead rather than the base spirit.