Velier Bielle Rhum Rhum Libération 2012 2007

Velier Bielle Rhum Rhum Liberation 2012 is a Marie Galante cane juice rum from Bielle, part of the Rhum Rhum project and bottled by Velier. Distilled on a pot still rather than the island's usual column, then matured with Sauternes wine cask influence, it is an unusual, indulgent take on agricole.

Working from fresh pressed cane juice, the pot still gives a fuller body, and around five years of maturation with a Sauternes cask lends sweet, fruity depth without added sugar. The nose offers nutty notes, vanilla, caramel and grapes, the palate turns woody and agricole with cherry and spice, and the finish stays on oak, vanilla, ginger and a light smoke. Bottled unsweetened at a gentle 45 percent, it is round, gourmand and light on its feet, the cane character softened by Sauternes into an easy, contemplative pour.