Marzadro Pellerossa Liqueur Rum and Honey

Pellerossa is a rum and honey liqueur from Marzadro, an Italian distiller of grappa and spirits, built around a twelve year old rum base that has spent time in Ex-Bourbon oak and then been sweetened with honey. At 30% and labelled a liqueur, there is no pretence here, this is a sweet, flavoured product rather than a straight aged rum.

The profile is candied throughout, the nose sweet with apricot and green apple, the palate carrying those orchard fruits alongside passion fruit, and a finish of marzipan and sweetness with a light spirity lift. The aged Ex-Bourbon base lends some backbone underneath, but the honey and the low strength define the experience. Taken honestly as a liqueur it is a pleasant fruit and honey sipper, the kind of thing for a digestif moment or over ice, and it should be judged on those terms rather than against dry rum.