Gold of Dark Rum 8 Solera

Gold of Dark Rum 8 Solera is a molasses-based dark rum from Litchquor in Mauritius, built in a solera system where older and younger rums marry over time. Unlike the island's cane-juice agricoles, this is a molasses rum aimed squarely at the sweeter, dessert end of the spectrum, bottled soft at 40%.

The solera shapes a smooth, rounded profile of fruit, vanilla, banana and caramel on the nose, then marzipan, burnt sugar and roasted nuts on the palate, with coffee-liqueur richness and a light roasted smoke. The finish runs woody and nutty with dried fruit and dark chocolate. To be honest about it, this drinks sweet and dessert-like rather than dry and layered, the kind of glass that reads almost like a liqueur at times. It works best as an easy after-dinner sipper or a cocktail base for newcomers and anyone who enjoys a soft, sweet dark rum.