CDI Secret (Bottled for Germany) 2009

CDI Secret Bottled for Germany 2009 is a 9 Year Old Cuban ron from the 2009 vintage, bottled by Compagnie des Indes, the terroir led French house known for natural, single cask releases alongside a few openly dosed entry blends. This is firmly in the purist column: a single cask at full strength of 58.7%, unsweetened and matured in ex-bourbon oak.

The Cuban column distillate is usually light and clean, but at this proof and dryness it shows a wilder side: caramel and a sharp alcoholic lift with pear and green apple on the nose, then roasted notes, orchard fruit and caramel on the palate, closing spicy with mirabelle plum, a flicker of sulphur and cocoa. There is a firework, gunpowder edge that divides opinion, and the strength needs taming with water. This is an interesting, polarising bottle rather than a polished one, rewarding experienced drinkers who like their single casks raw and full proof, and it works well in cocktails too.