The Demon’s Share Speciál Edition Rodrigo’s Reserve

The Demon's Share Special Edition Rodrigo's Reserve is a nine year old Panamanian rum made from sugar cane juice and matured in ex bourbon and sherry wood, bottled at 40%. Despite the cane juice base it presents as a sweet, spiced style pour rather than a dry agricole, and it leans firmly into the dessert end of the spectrum.

The nose is loaded with vanilla, caramel and ripe mango, the palate adds gingerbread and fruity, candied sweetness, and the finish stays sweet with wood, citrus and apple. The candied, almost artificial intensity invites comparison with the sweetest Filipino style rums, and it is honest to call this a dessert rum rather than a complex sipper. It is at its best as an easy, sweet pour with cola or alongside cake, generous and approachable, though anyone after a dry, layered dram will find it cloying.