Ruotkers GmbH Ron Johan Vanilla

Ron Johan Vanilla is a flavoured rum from the Austrian producer Ruotkers, bottled at 38%. It is openly a vanilla rum, but it distinguishes itself from the run of cheap vanilla rum liqueurs, suggesting a cleaner, better judged hand with the flavouring.

The profile is simple and on message, vanilla leading the nose with a woody backing, then vanilla, chocolate and oak on the palate. It is sweet and easy at a modest strength, made for those who enjoy a dessert style vanilla rum, whether sipped over ice or used to lift a coffee or cocktail. Honesty places it squarely in the flavoured category, this is not a dry rum and does not try to be, but within its niche it reads as a tidier, more drinkable take on vanilla rum than most. A pleasant sweet treat judged on its own modest terms.