Les Bienheureux El Pasador Ron – 52 – Rum

El Pasador 52 is a Guatemalan rum bottled by French house Les Bienheureux, drawing on spirit from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, the same operation behind the country's famous soleras. It carries a ten-and-a-half-year statement and is presented at a fuller 52%, giving it more reach than the soft, low-proof norm for the style.

Column distilled and matured in ex-bourbon casks, it shows biscuit, young wood, caramel and citrus on the nose, then a palate of chocolate, wood, spice and orange peel before a dry, concentrated, licorice-tinged finish. Despite the higher strength it still leans sweet, in keeping with the Guatemalan house style, but the extra proof gives it grip and a drier close than most. It makes a fuller, more characterful sipper for anyone who likes the sweet Guatemalan profile but wants more structure and bite in the glass.