Habitation Velier Foursquare 2013

Habitation Velier is Velier's line dedicated to Pure Single Rum, meaning pot still spirit from a single distillery, bottled with no additives at high proof. This is a Foursquare under that banner, a 2013 vintage and, unusually for Barbados, made entirely on a pot still rather than the island's customary pot and column blend, matured in ex-bourbon oak.

Bottled at 64% with no added sugar, colour or flavouring, it is young, raw and powerful. The nose is intense with honey, vanilla and caramel, the palate spicy, warm and laden with tropical fruit and raisin, and the finish carries real heat. At only two years it shows some youthful bite, so a little water is the key that unlocks it, drawing out the honeyed fruit and baking spice. This is a focused, geeky pour for drinkers who already enjoy punchy Foursquare releases and want the pure pot still character at full strength.