Mezan Diamond 2003

Mezan bottles young and unaltered, and this 2003 Diamond is a gentle, reduced strength take on Guyanese rum. Drawn from the lighter Diamond and Savalle side of the Demerara family, it shows a continental PM style profile with fruity freshness rather than the oil and tar of the wooden pot marques. At twelve years and 40%, it is a soft, easy expression.

Molasses based and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it noses on honey, allspice, citrus and oak, then carries oak, roast, allspice and honey onto the palate before a finish of liquorice, oak and allspice. The reduction to 40% keeps it light and approachable, with a tart spice and citrus lift balancing the wood. This is an undemanding, lightly spiced Demerara for casual sipping rather than a heavyweight, and while better, fuller bottlings of this profile exist, it offers a soft and pleasant introduction to the lighter Guyanese style.