The Wild Parrot Botanica Series 2016

The Wild Parrot is the rum arm of a Dutch bottling house, and this Botanica Series release presents a single cask of Barbados molasses rum at a robust 60.4%. Distilled in 2016 and aged eight years, it is a younger but full strength take on the island style.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it opens with a smoky, woody character alongside pineapple and caramel, less of the easy banana sweetness and more savoury weight than many Barbadian rums. The palate brings honey, pepper and warm spice, finishing woody and roasted with a return of pineapple and fruit. At full strength the oak and smoke carry real presence, making this a bolder, more structured pour than the gentler distillery bottlings, one that rewards a little air and unhurried attention.