Savanna Cuvée de la Maison Blanche 2008

Savanna Cuvee de la Maison Blanche 2008 comes from the long-running Savanna distillery on Reunion, which makes several very different families of rum. This one is the molasses side of the house rather than cane juice, so despite the island's agricole heritage it is honestly a molasses rum, aged a decade and bottled at a relaxed 43%.

Maturation in ex-bourbon casks under tropical conditions speeds the oak along, lending vanilla, raisin and roasted wood that frame rather than smother the fruit. The profile leans bright and tropical, with pineapple, floral tones and a nutty, lightly woody palate before a raisined, cinnamon-spiced finish. It works as a softer introduction to Savanna for anyone not yet ready for the distillery's heavier, funkier expressions, an elegant and fruity pour for unhurried sipping.