Trois Frères Distillery Takamaka Bay Grankaz (Batch 2) 2023

This Grankaz batch from Takamaka Bay, made by the Trois Frères distillery in the Seychelles, blends pot and column still rum from cane and molasses, drawing part of its character from virgin French oak. Bottled at cask strength 51.6%, it comes from a less familiar rum origin and leans young, fresh and lively rather than smooth and aged.

The nose is fruity and bright, with citrus, sugarcane and orange peel, while the palate brings vanilla, orange, caramel and oak with a spicy, slightly sharp edge from the youthful spirit and new wood. The finish runs a touch thin but holds onto vanilla, raisin and chocolate. The higher strength gives it more punch and tropical fruit lift, and it works equally well as a characterful sipper or in spirit forward cocktails, an affordable way to explore an unusual island style.