Secret Arts of Spirits El Libertad Spiced Rum Dark Oak

El Libertad Spiced Rum Dark Oak is a flavoured release from independent bottler Secret Arts of Spirits, built on an 8 year old Dominican Republic base distilled on a column still from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon casks. Unusually for a spiced rum it is bottled unsweetened and at a firmer 48.1%, which keeps it drier and more spirit-forward than the category norm.

The Dark Oak name points to a woodier, more savoury take on the style, with the aged Dominican base bringing vanilla and caramel and the spicing adding warmth on top. Because there is no added sugar to soften it, expect a spiced rum with more grip and structure than the usual sweet, easy-sipping examples, suited to drinkers who want flavour without the syrup.