Oxenham Craft Distillery XO 85 Anniversary

Oxenham is a Mauritian producer, and this XO 85 Anniversary is an aged rum from fresh pressed sugarcane juice, agricole in style though outside any AOC since Mauritius cannot use the protected term. Bottled at 42%, it shows a rounder, oak driven character that leans towards smooth sipping rather than grassy youth.

The nose offers oak, vanilla, caramel and a citrus lift, while the palate is woody, round and a little sweet, with a savoury depth and a raisin note carrying into the finish. Fruit, spice and wood sit in good balance, and the overall impression is of a well integrated, easygoing aged rum that is fuller and slightly sweeter than a typical dry agricole. At 42% it is approachable and polished, a satisfying after dinner pour that shows the more accessible face of Mauritian cane juice rum. It suits drinkers who want a smooth, balanced sipper with oak and vanilla warmth rather than a bracing, vegetal blanc.