Rum & Co Ratu Dark Premium Rum

Ratu Dark Premium is a distillery bottling from Fiji Rum and Co, a 40% dark rum that offers newcomers a first, gentle look at the island's character. The nose carries rubber, smoke, young wood and prune, hinting at Fiji's funkier side without fully committing to it.

Matured in ex bourbon wood, with added sugar unstated, it pours soft and sweet, with vanilla, toasted notes and chocolate on the palate and a finish of mocha, cocoa, rubber and toffee. The young wood and sweetness can read a little artificial, and it lacks the depth for serious neat drinking. Where it earns its place is in simple long drinks, where the vanilla, raisin and light chocolate come through and the smoky, earthy Fiji edge adds interest cheaply. Drinkers curious about the island who mostly mix will get a budget friendly glimpse of its profile, while those wanting a refined sipper should look higher.