Valinch & Mallet Travellers The Spirit of Art 2006

The Spirit of Art is a single cask Belize rum from Valinch & Mallet, drawing column still spirit from the Travellers distillery, distilled in 2006 and bottled at sixteen years and a full 56.3%. It manages to be both strong and easygoing, an unsweetened release that keeps the rounded, coconut led charm of Belize rum while delivering real proof.

Matured in an ex-bourbon cask, it offers coconut, vanilla and nuts on the nose, with the same coconut and vanilla carrying through a woody, nutty palate and a finish of dark chocolate, coconut and coffee. Without added sugar the sweetness reads as cask derived, and at 56.3% the alcohol stays well integrated. The funk found in heavier rums is largely absent here in favour of soft wood and chocolate. It is a satisfying daily sipper for those who like a relaxed yet robust, wood forward style.