Isautier 5 ans

This Isautier 5 ans comes from Reunion and, despite the agricole framing of the range, is built on molasses with a cane-juice character running through it. Bottled at 40%, it is a soft, reduced rum made to please a wide span of palates, light and approachable rather than intense.

Distilled on a column still and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it is gently woody with a fresh herbal lift. The nose is the most interesting part, with citrus, herbs, fresh sugarcane and young wood. The palate stays young and herbal with a syrupy edge, and the finish turns vegetal, spicy and slightly bitter. The reduction to 40% softens things considerably, which can flatten the flavour for those who like more punch. The added-sugar status is not documented. Easy and light, it sits more comfortably as a casual everyday pour or a mixer than as a rum for slow contemplation.