Samaroli DDL Demerara Vertical 03-04 (2020)

Samaroli DDL Demerara Vertical 03-04 is a Guyanese rum from the historic Italian bottler Samaroli, who built its name on elegant, balanced single casks reduced to a gentle proof rather than full strength. This release marries DDL stock across the 2003 and 2004 vintages and is bottled unsweetened at the house's signature 45%, continental-aged in the purist tradition.

The nose is rounded and inviting with toffee, barrel, coconut and banana, while the palate brings barrel wood, pastry sweetness and a light smoky edge. The finish is the most complex part, drawing in coffee, raisin and an Armagnac-like warmth against the oak. The alcohol is not perfectly integrated, but the rum makes up for it with poise, ranging from soft chocolate notes to dried fruit with real elegance. This is Samaroli doing what it does best, a measured, drinkable Demerara that favours balance over brawn.