South Pacific S.B.S 2020

This S.B.S 2020 is a single cask of South Pacific Distilleries rum from Fiji, selected by Denmark's detail-obsessed 1423 under their transparent Single Barrel Selection, matured around four years in ex-bourbon wood and bottled unsweetened at cask strength of 55%. Fijian pot still rum is prized for its distinctive funky, fruity character, and this bottling shows it young and undisguised.

The nose is intense and fruity with a vegetal lift, wood and a savoury olive note, the palate stays woody and olive-edged with spice, and the finish runs spicy and faintly smoky with dried fruit. This was matured with a strong young-oak signature that some find assertive, lots of fresh wood over the fruit, a trait of a virgin-leaning cask at this age. With no additives and full proof it is honest and characterful, a snapshot of Fijian funk caught early. Drinkers who like high-ester island rum and do not mind youthful wood will find plenty here; a little water opens it up.