Karukera L’Empyrium #2 2018

Karukera, relaunched in 2002 on the Marquisat de Sainte-Marie estate in Guadeloupe, is known for single-cane bottlings and carefully aged agricole. This L'Empyrium is a 2018 vintage with seven years in ex-bourbon oak, distilled from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice on a column still and bottled unsweetened under Guadeloupe IGP.

Seven years of tropical ageing draw the grassy cane base toward a woody, spice-forward profile of cinnamon, caramel, dried fruit, tobacco and leather, with the higher 46.3% strength giving the palate weight while staying well integrated. This is the drier, more structured face of French-island rum, where oak and baking spice lead rather than added sweetness. The result is a balanced, confidently aged Guadeloupe agricole that rewards neat sipping, with enough proof and grip to hold its shape in the glass.