Taragawa Distillery Japanese Rum White

Taragawa Japanese Rum White is an unaged pot still rum from Japan, distilled from molasses on the southern islands where a small but growing rum scene has taken root. Bottled clear and unsweetened at 40%, it is a light, fresh style aimed more at the glass with mixers than at slow contemplation.

The nose is fruity and floral with sugarcane freshness, though it takes an unusual turn, several tasters finding a lemony rose or lemon verbena character that gives it a distinctive, slightly perfumed edge. The palate brings passion fruit and a fresh, oily texture with a touch of spirit warmth, and the finish carries tropical fruit and sugarcane with a hint of vanilla. This is an intriguing curiosity of a white rum rather than a deep sipper, light and floral enough to brighten a cocktail and reward those drawn to Japan's take on the category.