Velier Clarendon Monymusk MBS 2010

This Clarendon bottling from Velier comes from the Monymusk distillery in Jamaica and carries the MBS marque, drawn from the distillery's large column still rather than its pot stills. Distilled in 2010 and aged nine years in ex-bourbon oak, it is tropically matured and bottled unsweetened at a hefty 62%, in Velier's full proof, additive-free style.

Because it is a lighter column-still mark, this is the rare Jamaican that sets the island's funk aside almost entirely. Instead it leans on coconut, vanilla, cocoa and warm spice over gentle tropical fruit, with a pastry-like sweetness and milk chocolate that have led many drinkers to compare it to Barbados rum from Foursquare. At 62% it carries real power and tropical depth, but a short rest or a drop of water settles it nicely. For those who want strength and richness without heavy esters, it is an approachable, fruit-and-wood Jamaican.