Les Bienheureux Pura Vida XO

Pura Vida XO is an extra anejo rum from Costa Rica, assembled by Les Bienheureux, the French house better known for its Bellevoye whisky work. There is no stated age here, which is typical of the XO designation in the Spanish style, where the marketing tier signals smoothness and blending more than a guaranteed number of years in wood.

The profile sits firmly in the soft, accessible camp. Expect a sweet, dried fruit nose with woody depth and allspice, a palate of chocolate, orchard and tropical fruit, and a finish that turns to caramel and vanilla over light oak. It carries some added sugar, so it reads rounded and confectionery rather than crisp, closer to a caramel sweet than a bone dry aged rum. At 40% it is mild and approachable, a gentle pour for anyone who likes their rum on the sweeter, dessert leaning side.