The Distillery English Harbour Coeur de Savalle

Coeur de Savalle is a column-distilled rum from The Antigua Distillery, makers of English Harbour, aged eight years and bottled at a formidable 73.6%. Drawn from the heart of the Savalle column run, it is a molasses rum that channels that still's versatility into something dark, dense and full-proof.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it offers caramel, cocoa and roasted aromas over wood, then a palate of roasted notes, dark chocolate and spice wrapped in warm oak. The finish carries roasted wood, vanilla and caramel. At nearly 74% the strength is plainly there, yet the sweetness of caramel, banana and dried fruit keeps it surprisingly drinkable for the proof. This is a bottle for experienced palates who enjoy chocolate-and-caramel richness but want it dialled up to cask-strength intensity, sipped slowly with time in the glass.