Excellence Rhum Bielle 278 Collection (10th Anniversary) 2012

Excellence Rhum Bielle 278 Collection is a ten year old cane-juice rum from the Bielle distillery on Marie-Galante, selected by Excellence Rhum for its tenth anniversary and bottled at cask strength of 54.8%. Distilled in 2012 from fresh-pressed cane juice, it carries a sherry cask finish that steers it toward a richer, fruitier register.

The nose follows the house codes with ripe fruit, licorice and honey, while the palate runs fruity and floral with red fruits, plum, currants and nougat, a touch of tobacco and herbs, then firm tannins and spice on the close. The sherry finish is fully integrated, leaving the cane character recognisable underneath, and the alcohol never feels harsh despite the strength. Certified unsweetened, it is at its best sipped slowly neat or with a small splash of water.