Rumclub Private Selection Ed. 11 Rum

Rumclub Private Selection's Edition 11, bottled by Spirit of Rum, is a nine year old Puerto Rican single cask of column-still molasses rum brought in unsweetened at cask strength of 48.3%. Where much Puerto Rican rum aims for lightness, this leans into wood and character, making it one of the more assertive expressions from the island.

Matured in ex-bourbon wood, it noses sweet and roasted with vanilla and a woody depth. The palate is wood-forward too, with vanilla, roasted notes and nutmeg, while the finish brings spice, a subtle smoky edge and orange. The higher strength gives it real presence without turning aggressive, and there is a lively thread of esters and tropical fruit running underneath. For drinkers who enjoy balanced, faintly smoky column-still rum and want a step up in proof and character, it shines neat or stands up well in a bold cocktail.