Famille Ricci Zodiac 2023 Verseau

Zodiac Verseau is a blender's rum from Famille Ricci, a house that has built its name on assembling characterful casks rather than chasing single distillery purity. This release marries pot and column still molasses rum aged in ex bourbon, with a stated age in the mid teens and a robust 59% strength that puts depth and grip ahead of easy drinking.

The aroma runs toward red and dark fruits, dark chocolate and apricot, almost Black Forest in feel. The palate is intense and spiced, sour cherry and dark chocolate over a firm oak base, finishing toasted and woody with the fruit still echoing. There is real bitterness and a deliberately unbalanced edge that gives the blend its character, so this is one for attentive, unhurried sipping rather than background pouring, rewarding drinkers who like their blends challenging and wood forward.