Chamarel XO

Chamarel is a Mauritian distillery, and this XO is its aged cane juice rum, distilled from fresh juice rather than molasses across both pot and column stills. Made outside the Martinique AOC, it sits in the agricole family in the wider sense, though in profile it is much softer and rounder than a classic dry Martinique vieux. At 43% it is built for comfortable, relaxed sipping.

Ex-Bourbon ageing brings soft vanilla, caramel, honey and gentle oak, with dried fruit and a touch of orange peel adding depth. The palate is smooth and on the sweeter side, with a faintly bitter, woody finish. The added sugar status is not declared, but it drinks soft and gourmand, more of a dessert partner than a deep, contemplative dram. For drinkers who like that easy, vanilla led style but are curious about cane juice rum, this offers a gentle way in without the heavy ester funk or big alcohol bite.