J. Bally Plantations Lajus du Carbet 1966

J. Bally is one of Martinique's storied agricole names, its rum now distilled at the La Mauny site but its vintages long prized by collectors, all made the AOC way from fresh pressed sugar cane juice with no added sugar. This Lajus du Carbet bears a 1966 vintage and drinks like genuine liquid history, the sort of old cane juice rum that turns up rarely and rewards patience.

The nose is woody and leathery with a nutty, fruity edge, the palate dry and woody with crisp orchard apple and a fresh lift cutting through the age. Some tasters find darker, dirtier notes here too, tar and a whiff of gasoline that sit alongside the wood, and the finish stays woody and fruity rather than long or polished. Bottled at 45% and unsweetened, it is a dense, characterful old agricole that prizes depth and history over smooth crowd pleasing, one for drinkers who chase vintage cane spirit.