Manutea Rhum Vieux Agricole VO

Manutea makes rum on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, working in the agricole manner from fresh pressed sugar cane juice. This Vieux Agricole VO carries three years in ex bourbon, the standard route for an aged cane juice rum, and lands at a gentle, approachable 43% that suits its relaxed style.

Where many young agricoles run sharp and green, this leans soft and rounded. The nose offers fresh cane, raisin and a floral lift, the palate adds honeyed sweetness with banana and more cane, and gentle oak, licorice and a touch of menthol carry through a supple, tea like finish. It is light and easygoing rather than intense, a fairly priced and pleasant introduction to Tahitian cane juice rum that drinks well neat or in a simple cocktail.