Samaroli West Indies Dark Rum 1948

This West Indies Dark Rum was selected by Samaroli, the historic Italian house known for elegant, purist bottlings released at deliberately measured strength. Drawn from a 1948 distillation and carrying more than four decades of age, it is the kind of old Caribbean rum that has become almost impossible to find, a remnant of a vanished era of distillation.

The spirit was matured in ex-bourbon wood in the cooler continental climate, which let it accumulate great age without being overwhelmed by oak. At 49% it shows leather, treacle and liquorice wrapped around deep barrel and tobacco notes, with a fruity thread surviving underneath and a long, dry, woody and spiced finish. There is a faint medicinal touch that adds to the sense of antiquity. Unsweetened in the Samaroli tradition, it is best approached slowly and neat, as much a tasting experience as a drink.