Tres Hombres Ron Aldea Ed. 62 La Palma Fuerte ‘23 2013

This La Palma Fuerte is a Ron Aldea cane-juice rum from La Palma in the Canary Islands, bottled by Tres Hombres, the outfit that ships its rum across the Atlantic by sail rather than engine. The 2013 vintage was matured in ex-bourbon oak with a sherry-cask influence and bottled at 44%, fuerte meaning powerful.

Though made from sugar cane juice in the agricole spirit, this carries an aged, fruit-forward character rather than a grassy edge, the nose round and fruity with a clear sherry note, the palate sweet and fruity with allspice, the finish on sweet spice and dried fruit. The sherry cask lends a rounded richness and perceptible sweetness. An interesting, easygoing aged rum from an unusual origin, well suited to relaxed sipping by those who enjoy sherry-cask warmth and don't require the dry snap of a classic blanc.