Les Rhums du Sud Rhum Vieux de la

Les Rhums du Sud bottles this Rhum Vieux from Reunion, an island whose distilleries work in both the agricole and molasses traditions. This release marries the two, drawing on a blend of cane-juice and molasses rum of a few years each, which gives it an agricole-style freshness sitting on a rounder molasses base. It is best described as agricole-style rather than a true AOC agricole.

Bottled unsweetened at 49%, it stays soft and drinkable. The nose is fresh and bright with citrus, sugarcane and a touch of vanilla, while the palate turns herbal and woody with honey filling the middle and a peppery edge. The finish carries that woody honey forward with herbs and a hint of cinnamon. An uncomplicated, fresh-leaning aged rum, the kind of relaxed pour that suits an unhurried evening rather than deep analysis.