S.B.S Guyana 1997 Skeldon SWR 27 Year Old 48.1%

Distilled in 1997 at Uitvlugt Distillery, this single cask Guyana rum was produced on the Savalle column still originally installed at the now-closed Skeldon distillery. Although Skeldon had ceased operations by the late 1960s, the historic SWR (Skeldon William Ross) mark continued to be distilled at Uitvlugt, preserving the style and identity associated with the name.

The rum was matured for 27 years in ex bourbon American oak before being bottled in 2024 by 1423 World Class Spirits as part of the S.B.S Single Barrel Selection range. Bottled at 48.1 percent ABV, it is non chill filtered, without added colouring, and drawn from a single cask with an outturn of approximately 195 bottles.

On the nose, the profile opens with toasted oak, dried plums and raisins, followed by roasted nuts, cocoa and light coffee. With time in the glass, deeper notes of dark chocolate and gentle spice emerge, framed by well-integrated wood rather than overt sweetness.

The palate is structured and composed, led by roasted espresso, caramelised sugar and fig, with dried fruit and subtle orange peel adding lift. Oak tannins are clearly present, providing grip and dryness without tipping into bitterness, while the column still distillation keeps the profile precise and controlled.

The finish is medium to long, carrying through lingering coffee and cocoa, light caramel and dry oak bitters. The overall character is classic long-aged Demerara: layered, restrained and defined by time in cask rather than high proof or heavy extraction.