Mezan Diamond 2008

Mezan bottles its Guyanese rum lightly and without added sugar, letting the still speak, and this 2008 Diamond is a pot still expression caught at twelve years. Diamond is the modern home of every heritage Guyanese still, and a pot still marque from here sits on the lighter, fruitier side of the Demerara spectrum rather than the heavy Port Mourant end.

Matured in ex-bourbon and reduced to 46%, it opens grassy and fresh with green banana, litchi and a touch of green apple, some ester lift cutting through. Air brings out vanilla and a light cedar note, while the palate turns herbal with a whisky-like edge, cardamom and gentle spice. The finish is dry and woody with a faint bitterness, an honest, restrained Demerara aimed at drinkers who prefer clarity and lift over weight and sweetness.