S.B.S (Bourbon Cask) 2009

This S.B.S Venezuela 2009 is a single-cask Venezuelan ron from 1423 of Denmark, whose Single Barrel Selection is known for transparency, full strength, no added sugar and no chill filtration. It is a molasses spirit distilled on a column still, drawn from one cask at fourteen years old and bottled at a robust 54.9%.

The nose leads with caramel, burnt sugar, vanilla and dried fruit, with a palate of dried fruit, vanilla, chocolate and a natural sweetness, finishing on roasted, earthy and vanilla notes. Because nothing is added, the sweetness here comes from the spirit and the wood rather than dosage, which gives it a cleaner, drier feel than the typical soft Venezuelan brand bottling while keeping the region's dark-fruit and chocolate signature. It is well balanced and nicely spicy with a good deal of wood, a satisfying full-strength take on Venezuela for drinkers who want the country's character without the usual sugar.