The Wild Parrot Savanna 2007

This is a Savanna Grand Arome from Reunion, bottled by the independent label The Wild Parrot from a single 2007 vintage at full proof. Grand Arome is Savanna's high ester, long ferment molasses style, a deliberately funky distillate worlds away from the distillery's clean agricole, made on a pot still and tropically aged for eleven years.

The long ferment shows in waves of overripe tropical fruit and strawberry, with creme brulee, vanilla and spice on the nose and a palate of mango, pineapple and caramel. The estery side surfaces on the finish in licorice and a briny olive note that marks the style. At 63.9% it is powerful and intense, the funk and fruit balanced rather than chaotic, the alcohol largely in check. This is one for experienced drinkers who enjoy high ester rum and want Savanna's distinctive strawberry tinged funk at full strength.