Famille Ricci Zodiac Lion 2023 2006

Famille Ricci Zodiac Lion is a single cask of Belizean rum selected by the French house Famille Ricci, distilled on a column still in 2006 and given seventeen years in ex-bourbon oak before bottling at a powerful cask strength 61.1%. Belize rum is increasingly sought for its honeyed, fruit-forward profile, and this long-aged full-proof single cask shows that character at full volume.

The column distillate has taken on real depth over its seventeen years. The nose is fruity and inviting, caramel and pineapple over a mild, mellow base, while the palate turns more structured, fruit meeting peppery spice and oak. The finish is long and warming, pepper and allspice closing with a note of coffee. At better than 61% this carries serious heat, so a measured splash of water opens it considerably, drawing out the tropical fruit and softening the spice. It is a generous, fruit-driven Belizean single cask for those who like their aged rum at full strength.