Rumclub Private Selection Ed. 14 Nanny of the Maroons 2020

Rumclub Private Selection Edition 14 Nanny of the Maroons is an unusual marriage, pairing funky molasses rum from Jamaica with fresh cane juice rum from Ghana under the Spirit of Rum banner. Bottled at a full 65.3% and unsweetened, it is an experienced palate's pour, named for a Jamaican Maroon leader and built to show what two very different fermentation traditions do side by side.

The Jamaican half supplies the esters, that ripe-to-overripe fruit signature of banana and pineapple tipping toward glue at the edges, while the Ghanaian cane juice brings a green, grassy freshness closer to an agricole. Together they give overripe banana, pineapple, pear and floral grass, then a dry, peppery, vegetal finish. The strength is real and a few drops of water tame the sharp edge without dulling the fruit. For drinkers who enjoy Hampden, Worthy Park or grassy cane juice rums, it is a characterful and affordable way to taste an unexpected combination.