Rum Runner Diamond SV 2011

Rum Runner bottled this 2011 Diamond as a single cask from the Coffey still, sitting at the lighter, cleaner Savalle end of Demerara but pushed to a powerful 63.7%. At roughly twelve years it is a modern Guyanese expression built around depth of roasted flavour rather than great age.

Matured in ex-bourbon and unsweetened, it leads with deep cocoa, chocolate, coffee and mango on the nose, then a palate of chocolate, caramel, vanilla and nuttiness, finishing on coffee, tropical fruit and toasted wood. The profile is rich and roasted, with spicy, gourmand edges and a clear caramelised sweetness of flavour despite no added sugar. The alcohol is well integrated for the strength, though it leans straightforward rather than intricate. This is a solid, enjoyable modern Diamond for drinkers who like roasted-chocolate Demerara at full proof, ideally with a little water.