Rumclub Private Selection Ed. 15 Navy Style Rum

Rumclub Private Selection's Edition 15, bottled by Spirit of Rum, gives the navy idea a softer reading: a molasses blend drawing on more than one origin, just under eight years old and brought in at a friendly 43.6%. It offers the darker, fruity-woody character of the style without the firepower usually implied by the navy label, which makes it an easy way into the category.

Ex-bourbon maturation lends tropical fruit, caramel, vanilla and a woody edge on the nose. The palate is spicier, with dark chocolate, orange and a peppery lift, settling into a finish of leather, chocolate, coffee and earth. The sweetness is light and the body gentle, so this drinks as a relaxed sipper rather than a brooding heavyweight. For anyone who enjoys soft, fruity dark rum and wants to dip a toe into navy-style bottlings, it gives the impression without the usual strength.