Isautier L’Aventurier Rhum Vieux Traditionnel – Brut de fût (LMDW) 2008

Isautier is one of Réunion's oldest rum houses, and this L'Aventurier is its molasses rum bottled at full cask strength for La Maison du Whisky, a thirteen year old from the 2008 vintage that lands at a formidable 79.5%. This is firmly seasoned enthusiast territory, a rum that demands water and respect rather than a casual glass.

Distilled from molasses on a column still and matured in ex bourbon wood under tropical heat, the years and the strength have concentrated everything. The nose is aromatic with tropical fruit, vanilla, citrus and caramel, the palate turns hot and intense with dried fruit, wood and herbs, and the finish is woody, dry and very long. With a few drops of water the heat integrates and the oak spice and dark fruit open up, rewarding anyone who enjoys pushing high proof island rum to its limits.