HoneyBatcher GmbH Dominican Republic 152

HoneyBatcher is a German independent bottler, and this Dominican Republic 152 release is one of its high strength picks, a molasses rum bottled at a formidable 76% with no age statement. For all that power, drinkers repeatedly note how smoothly it goes down for such a young, strong spirit, which says a lot about how it has been put together.

The aroma runs to burnt sugar, cream toffee, fudge and soft fruit, and the palate is sweet and fruity with caramel and a candied, green apple ring note, closing on candied fruit, fudge and warmth. The sweetness here is clearly added and sits comfortably on the caramel base, so this is no dry sipper. Around two years of ageing gives a little structure, but the appeal is the combination of serious strength and easy caramel character. It earns its place in bold cocktails and high impact pours.