Nobilis Carrere (Caroni Finish) 2021

Nobilis Rum bottled this single cask Guadeloupe agricole from fresh sugar cane juice, given a finish in an ex-Caroni cask and bottled at an extraordinary 82.3%. The proof alone marks it out as a bottling for experienced palates who chase the upper limits of strength.

Despite the eye-catching abv, the alcohol is reasonably well integrated. The nose offers fresh sugarcane, pineapple and a herbal lift, while the palate turns intensely herbal, vegetal and minty with the cane freshness running right through. The finish is very long and warm with citrus and mango. In honesty the Caroni cask leaves little obvious trace, so this is best approached as a powerful, cane-driven Guadeloupe agricole rather than a Caroni-flavoured one. A few drops of water open it up considerably, releasing big, raw cane flavour for those ready for the ride.