Dràm Mòr South Pacific Single Cask Rum 2004

Dram Mor, a Scottish independent bottler, selected this long aged single cask of South Pacific rum, distilled in Fiji in 2004 and bottled at eighteen years and 58%. What stands out is how atypical it is for the origin: rather than the wild medicinal funk Fiji often shows, this leans sweet and rounded, more reminiscent of Barbados or Guatemala, very likely the result of continental ageing in cooler conditions.

Matured in ex bourbon, the profile is consistent across nose, palate and finish, polished wood, toffee and banana deepening into fudge, with the alcohol well carried for the strength. Some Fiji devotees find it a little too safe and miss the expected funk, but as a balanced, easy drinking cask strength rum it is comfortable and well integrated. A good pick for those who want an aged, gently sweet wood driven rum and are relaxed about it not showing the full island character.