Perola Saint James Bellamy‘s Reserve (Pear Cask Finish) 2024

Bottled by Perola under the Bellamy's Reserve label from Saint James spirit, this four year old Martinique agricole takes young, grassy cane and gives it an unusual pear-wood finish. It is a playful experiment rather than a heavyweight, pitched as an approachable way into agricole with a twist most rums never attempt.

The base is fresh-pressed sugarcane juice matured in ex-bourbon oak, then finished against pear wood that leaves a clearly noticeable fruit imprint. Aromas run to pear, fresh cane and young oak, with the palate adding spice and a woody backbone, and the finish settling into milk chocolate, chamomile, honey and cinnamon. Considering the modest age and 43% strength, there is more flavour intensity than expected. Unsweetened and easy-going, it suits neat sipping or a Donga Punch where its pear character has room to show.