Old Brothers Blended Rum Mellow Proof 2018

Old Brothers, the French independent, bottled this Mellow Proof blend of Barbados rum from the 2018 vintage at five years old and 46%. It sits in the island's pot and column tradition, aged in ex-bourbon oak and presented unsweetened at an approachable strength.

The molasses distillate shows a sweet, caramel-led nose with young wood and coconut, and the palate follows that line closely, caramel and toffee over a youthful oak base before a finish of brown sugar and toffee. The profile is straightforward and linear, the natural caramel of the spirit doing the work rather than any added sweetness. This is an easy, mellow read on Barbados rum, well suited to drinkers newer to the category or anyone after a gentle, caramel-forward glass without heavy oak or sharp spice getting in the way.