Samaroli Yehmon Retro Blendend Rum 2022

Samaroli is a historic Italian bottler known for elegant, balanced single casks and blends, usually unsweetened and matured in cooler continental conditions. The Yehmon Retro is a 17 year old blend of several distilleries, bottled at 49 percent, that carries the house signature of refinement over power despite its slightly higher strength.

Matured in ex bourbon in Europe, the slower ageing keeps it composed and gently oaked rather than heavy. The nose offers vanilla, dried fruit, a sweet edge and a grassy note, the palate runs to chocolate, dark chocolate, fruit and spice, and the round finish closes on vanilla, honey and toasted oak. A subtle earthy, ashy hint suggests a touch of Trinidad in the mix. Unsweetened and well integrated, it drinks easily neat or with a splash of water, a careful step up for those moving on from softer rums.