Excellence Rhum South Pacific SMF 2004

This South Pacific Distilleries rum was bottled by Excellence Rhum, drawn from a 2004 distillation in Fiji and aged thirteen years before release. It is a single cask bottled unsweetened at a formidable 65.5 percent, a high octane example of Fiji's fruity, funky, ester driven style that rewards careful attention.

Matured in ex bourbon, the cask strength delivers serious intensity, opening with a slightly shy nose of vanilla, honey, fruit and lemon that turns buttery and funkier with air, then a palate of fruit, oak, honey and a glue like ester edge before a spicy, fermented finish of licorice and funk. Oak and chocolate keep it grounded, and a comparison point sits between Belize and Foursquare with Fiji fruit on top. Unsweetened and powerful, it needs water and time, and suits drinkers who like full proof rum with real character.