Dugas La Maison du Rhum #3 2011

La Maison du Rhum is the rum range from French distributor Dugas, presenting single-origin bottlings from across the cane world. This Pérou release is a 2011 vintage Peruvian molasses rum, column-distilled in the Spanish style and matured nine years in ex-bourbon casks before bottling at a sturdy but unaggressive 45%.

The nose is sweet and rounded, caramel and vanilla over molasses with a fruity lift. The palate stays balanced and harmonious, caramel and chocolate joined by a gentle wood note and a touch of orchard fruit, the sweetness even rather than cloying. It is an accessible, well-mannered sipper that shows the soft, dessert-leaning side of South American rum without tipping into heaviness. Drinkers after an uncomplicated, comfortable Peruvian pour with a little extra strength over the usual 40% bottlings will find this an agreeable, fairly priced choice.