T.D.L S.B.S 2009

Bottled by Denmark's 1423 under its Single Barrel Selection, this is a 2009 vintage TDL aged ten years. TDL is the column-still producer behind Angostura in Trinidad, working strictly from island molasses in a light, fragrant idiom. The S.B.S line is detail-obsessed and transparent, releasing cask strength, unsweetened single barrels, and this bottling shows the cleaner, fresher side of the living distillery.

Distilled on the column still and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it keeps a bright clarity. The aroma carries vanilla, caramel, spice and dried fruit, the palate turns woody and fruity with vanilla and a touch of sharpness, and the finish stays woody with caramel and vanilla. Minty freshness, green apple and orange run through it, hallmarks of the lighter Trinidad style, set over gentle oak. There is a slight bitterness on the palate that settles with air, a fun and well-rounded barrel that stays approachable even at its higher 55% strength.