Romdeluxe Ten Cane Collectors Series No. 20 BTXCA 2008

Bottled by Denmark's RomDeluxe for its Collectors Series, this is a single cask of Trinidadian Ten Cane laid down in 2008 and held more than sixteen years. Ten Cane was a short-lived molasses distillery on the island, and casks under its name are scarce, so a full strength, unsweetened bottling like this reads as one for drinkers who already know the drier Trinidad style and want it dialled up.

Distilled from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it shows the kind of weight that long ageing brings to Caribbean spirit. The aroma runs woody and sherried with red fruit and white chocolate, the palate turns to chocolate, dried fruit and a roasted note, and a subtle mint and faintly medicinal thread runs underneath in the Trinidad manner. The finish stays woody and dark with cherry and a touch of salt. Certified unsweetened, it carries its 59.3% with composure and rewards a slow pour with time in the glass.