Isautier L’Audacieux Rhum Vieux Agricole – Brut de fût (LMDW) 2006

Isautier is one of Reunion's oldest distilling families, and this 2006 single cask was chosen for La Maison du Whisky and bottled at full strength as a brut de fut. Despite the agricole framing on the label, the base here is molasses run through a column still, so it sits closer to the island's traditionnel style than to a fresh cane-juice rhum, fifteen years of ageing giving it real depth.

Maturation in ex-bourbon wood, in Reunion's warm climate, pushes the spirit toward woody, leathery territory with cocoa, dried fruit and a dry, dusty edge. At 73% the alcohol is woven in rather than aggressive, and a little water opens an oily mouthfeel and the herbal, vegetal twist that marks the distillery. This is a rum for experienced palates that already enjoy high-proof, oak-driven pours, best approached slowly and with patience.