Depaz Dillon Rhum Vieux Agricole

A Vieux Agricole from Depaz, the Martinique estate at the foot of Mont Pelee, bottled under the Dillon label. As an AOC agricole it is fresh-pressed cane juice with no added sugar, column distilled, aged seven years and bottled unsweetened at 45%, a permanent-range rum that stands a little apart from the rest of the house.

This is the aromatic, gourmand side of agricole rather than the grassy one. The nose is aromatic and slightly sharp with vanilla and cocoa, and the palate is woody and layered with vanilla, chocolate and prunes. Sweet spices of vanilla and nutmeg mingle with wood, nuts, cocoa and a toasty edge, and the finish stays dry with dried fruit, fruity notes and spice. Tropical ageing has given it a rounded, spice-and-chocolate richness while the cane spirit keeps it honest and dry. Unsweetened and easy to enjoy, it is a smooth, characterful aged agricole for relaxed sipping.