High Spirits Collection Clarendon Toucans Collection Rum JMM 1997

High Spirits Collection bottled this 1997 Clarendon, marque JMM, as part of its Toucans Collection, aged twenty-four years in ex-bourbon and reduced to 46%. Clarendon is a Clarendon parish distillery running pot and column, and this old pot still mark has mellowed into one of the lighter, more delicate corners of the house rather than a dense, full-proof statement.

Distilled from molasses, it opens with ester and glue, the classic Jamaican funk markers, before tropical fruit and pear take over after time in the glass. The palate is sweet, mild and fruity with a barrel note, the finish spicy with more tropical fruit and vanilla. Reduction to 46% has softened the body, so this drinks easy and fruit forward, with little aggression. A relaxed sipper for those who enjoy lighter, reduced Clarendons and the fruit-led side of aged Jamaican rum, though it trades the depth of cask strength bottlings for accessibility.