Clarendon White Overproof Rum

Clarendon is one of Jamaica's great supplier distilleries, running both pot and column, and this white overproof shows its raw, unaged side. Bottled by the distillery itself at a punchy 63%, it is the kind of fiery, concentrated white that anchors classic rum punches and tiki drinks.

With no barrel ageing, the spirit is all distillery character, a fruity and intense nose of banana and mango giving way to a palate of pineapple, overripe tropical fruit and bright fruity esters. The finish runs warm with coconut, anise and a floral note. There is nail varnish and raisin behind the fruit, the signature funk of high ester Jamaica, and it is unsweetened so nothing softens the heat. Sharp and powerful neat, it really comes alive shaken into overproof cocktails, where its fruit and funk cut cleanly through.