The Distillery English Harbour High Congener Series (2nd Release) 2014

The Distillery English Harbour High Congener Series, 2nd Release 2014, is a cask strength expression from the Antigua Distillery, pushing its column still molasses rum into richer, higher congener territory than the standard range. At nine years and 62 percent it offers power without losing the balance the distillery is known for, made for drinkers who want intensity from a column still rum. The 2014 vintage gives it the age to carry the strength.

Matured in ex bourbon wood, it shows coconut, vanilla and woody, roasted notes on the nose, then a palate of caramel, coconut, oak and dry spice with chocolate and roasted coffee building on the finish. The alcohol is well integrated for the proof, keeping it coherent rather than hot, and a splash of water opens up the coconut and oak further. Often likened to dry Barbados and Belize profiles, it offers rich, cask strength character that drinks well neat or lightly reduced.