HoneyBatcher GmbH Bellevue Honeybatcher Rum 1998

HoneyBatcher GmbH Bellevue Honeybatcher Rum 1998 is a single cask from the Bellevue distillery on Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe, bottled by the German label HoneyBatcher. Bellevue is known for its solar-powered operation and for supplying bulk rum to independent bottlers, and this 1998 vintage is drawn from a single barrel at 54%. It is worth being clear that this particular rum is made from molasses rather than cane juice, so it sits in the continental-style camp rather than classic agricole.

The profile is balanced and savoury, with citrus, dark chocolate, herbs, black tea and bitter orange over light, well-judged wood. It reads fresh and elegant rather than heavy, with the alcohol nicely integrated and an unusually long, herbal finish. Certified unsweetened, it shows the depth expected of a well-kept 1998 cask while staying on the fruity, balanced side, and is best enjoyed neat.