Rum Nation Savanna Small Batch Rare Rums 2006

Savanna on Reunion is unusual in making agricole, molasses rum and high ester Grand Arome side by side, and this is the molasses side of the house, drawn from a single 2006 vintage and bottled by the Italian house Rum Nation as part of its dry Rare Rums tier. At fifteen years and full cask strength, it leans on Savanna's clean distillate rather than added sweetness, finished in sherry casks that leave a clear mark.

The sherry shows in dried fruit, leather and licorice, with caramel and a touch of estery funk underneath, while the finish stays woody, herbal and citrus tinged. Unsweetened and bottled at 57.65%, it is fruity and woody without being heavy handed, the alcohol present but not aggressive. This is a focused neat sipper that takes a little time in the glass to settle, suited to anyone who likes a sherry finish that adds fruit without smothering the spirit.