J. Bally 1939

J. Bally is one of Martinique's storied agricole names, an estate brand with deep roots in the island's rum history, and this 1939 vintage is a rare old bottling distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice in the classic French-island manner.

Great age has carried this far from the bright cane of a young blanc into mature, savoury territory. The nose is roasted and woody with dried fruit and floral notes, the palate brings more roasted character with spice, barrel and dried fruit, and the finish stays roasted, woody, vegetal and floral. At 50% it holds its structure while the cane-juice backbone keeps it dry and complex rather than sweet. A serious piece of Martinique rum history for drinkers who chase old agricole.