Don José Plantation One-Time Terravera 2010

This Don Jose distillate is a one-time Terravera release bottled by Maison Ferrand under the Plantation banner, drawn from Panama and carrying a 2010 vintage with a thirteen year age. Maison Ferrand usually doses its rums openly, but this expression is certified unsweetened, which lets the spirit and wood show plainly. Distilled from molasses on a column still and aged in ex-bourbon casks, it offers the soft Panamanian base at an unusually firm cask strength of 51.4%.

The nose leans fruity with vanilla, caramel, wood and orchard fruit, the palate brings pear, citrus and berries over caramel and oak, and the finish is woody, spicy and dry with chocolate and dried fruit. With no added sugar it reads fresh, slightly tannic and warming, drier and more characterful than the soft 40% Panama norm. It suits curious drinkers stepping up in strength who want a fruit driven, honest sipper without venturing into funky or aggressive territory.