Oxenham Craft Distillery Bougainville XO

Oxenham distils on Mauritius, and despite the agricole heading this Bougainville XO is a molasses based rum, pot still distilled and matured for six years in sherry casks. Bottled at 40%, it is honest about being a softer, sherry influenced sipper rather than a grassy cane juice white, and it is worth flagging the molasses base since Mauritius makes both styles.

The sherry maturation drives the character. Vanilla, caramel and a ripe mango note open the nose, while the palate brings sherried raisin, caramel and spice in a smooth, well rounded body. The finish leans woody and tannic with a raisined, winey edge from the cask. It is well integrated and easy drinking, though some will wish for a higher proof to carry more of the flavour. A comfortable after dinner pour for those who like sherry cask richness in their rum.