Velier Neisson Tatanka LMDW / Velier (Le Bus Rose) 2007

Neisson is a small family distillery in Martinique and a longtime favourite among agricole drinkers, while Velier is the most prestigious name in collectible rum, known for tropically aged, additive free single casks. This Tatanka, released with La Maison du Whisky, is one such single cask, made from fresh pressed cane juice on a creole column and bottled unsweetened at a formidable 59% from the 2007 vintage.

Years of tropical ageing have taken this far beyond a typical blanc into deep, dark territory. The nose layers toasted oak, sugar cane and vanilla, the palate brings dark chocolate, leather and a caramelised richness, and dried tropical fruit and blood orange add lift before a long finish of dark chocolate, leather, cigar and charred wood. Powerful yet balanced, it is a sipping rum for seasoned enthusiasts who want a high proof Neisson turned all the way up.