Ron Espero Dos Continentes

Ron Espero Dos Continentes is a Barbados rum aged across two continents, around seven to eight years old and bottled at 40%. The name points to a two-stage maturation, and the result is a soft, accessible style that, by the taste of it, carries noticeable sweetness, so it is honestly read as a gentle sweetened sipper rather than a dry Bajan.

Matured partly in ex-bourbon oak, the nose is bright with citrus, passion fruit, kiwi and gooseberry, while the palate turns distinctly sweet, with mandarin, caramel and a syrupy edge. The finish carries a sherry and whisky-like character. Several drinkers find it sweet and remark on its blend-like, multi-cask feel, and that is the fair picture, a fragrant, fruity and clearly sweetened rum that sits closer to a soft after-dinner pour than a dry, additive-free Barbados.