Old Brothers LPCH

This LPCH bottling from French house Old Brothers is a pot-still Jamaican led by Long Pond, the historic Trelawny Wedderburn distillery, distilled from molasses and bottled unsweetened. Pitched below full cask strength, it keeps the Long Pond character, with a nod to Hampden-style funk, while staying approachable in proof, a more sessionable route into the island's heavier style.

The nose brings solvents, fruit, wood and banana, the palate turns to spice, tropical fruit and an oily body, and the finish runs to orange, fruit, chocolate and warmth with a slightly salty, whisky-like edge. Bottled at 47.8%, it delivers clear Jamaican character without overproof aggression, powerful and long for its strength. This is a well-judged blend for drinkers who want authentic Long Pond funk in a more drinkable format, a neat pour that does not demand water or a cocktail to tame it.