Distilia Enmore Greenheart Versailles MEV 1990

Distilia bottled this Greenheart single cask of MEV, an Enmore estate marque distilled on a wooden pot still in the Versailles mould, the contested lettering here best read through its reliable character of dry, herbal, raw wood Demerara. At 30 years, 54.2 percent and unsweetened, it shows the austere, spirit forward side of old Guyana.

Matured in ex bourbon, the molasses distillate leads with herbal notes, dried apricot, anise and wood, then a palate of anise, spice, leather and pencil shavings, closing on barrel, oak and dry tannins. What stands out is how moderate the oak feels for three decades, the cask kept in check so the herbal, woody spirit stays in focus. This is a benchmark style pour for drinkers who love classic dry Enmore and Versailles single casks, an honest, characterful Guyanese classic for fans of lean, woody rum.