The Duchess Travellers 15 2006

The Duchess Travellers 15 is a single cask Belize rum distilled in 2006 on a column still and bottled at a robust 63.7%. The Duchess, a Dutch independent bottler, finished it in an Armagnac cask, an unusual choice that lends a brandy like accent, and the result is certified unsweetened, rewarding patience rather than offering instant comfort.

The nose is the highlight, with cocoa, vanilla, wood and caramelised cream, while the Armagnac influence shows as a cognac like fruitiness. The palate turns roasted, chocolatey and woody, and at full cask strength it hits hard, opening up with a few drops of water. Like many Belize column rums it favours coconut, vanilla and wood over funk, and without added sugar it stays dry and oak led. It is a sipper for experienced palates who enjoy strength and a drier, more wood forward style.