Old Brothers Diamond Diamond Rum 2003

Old Brothers bottled this 2003 Diamond as a single cask at full proof, a 15 Year Old showing the Port Mourant marque at a punchy 61.5%. Distilled at Diamond, the keeper of Guyana's heritage stills, this continental aged PM leans toward the fresher, tarter end of the recipe rather than its dark, oily depths.

The nose is fresh with green apple, licorice and banana, and the palate follows with green apple and a minty, pungent character over more liquorice. The finish turns bitter and astringent with nutmeg. The green apple gives a lively, fresh edge that some will find a little restrained for Guyana, and the strength sits forward, so water helps tame the rougher corners. This is an unsweetened, honest single cask, a solid representative of continental Demerara in the PM style if not quite the top tier of the genre. For drinkers who enjoy the tart, herbal side of Port Mourant with some youthful bite, it offers plenty of character.