Famille Ricci Carrere Montebello L‘Exception 1998

Bottled by Famille Ricci from the Carrere distillery behind the Montebello label in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, this 1998 vintage spent 24 years in a single ex-bourbon cask before bottling. Drawn from a blend of molasses and fresh cane juice rather than pure vesou, it sits a little apart from textbook agricole, and the long maturation does most of the talking.

More than two decades in oak push the spirit into earthy, oak-forward territory with green and black pepper, roasted notes, nougat and dried fruit, the sort of dry, spice-led profile that aged French-island rum delivers rather than the sweet caramel of dosed styles. It is reduced to 43%, which keeps it approachable but leaves the structure feeling gentle and softly weighted rather than powerful. A contemplative older Guadeloupe rum for drinkers who prize oak, spice and patience over proof.