Velier Nine Leaves Armagnac Cask 2018

This Velier release of Nine Leaves is a Japanese rum finished in Armagnac casks, vintage 2018, aged seven years and bottled at cask strength, 59%. Nine Leaves is among the best known of Japan's small rum distilleries, working in a distinctive light, clean style, and Velier's involvement signals a transparent, full-proof, additive-free approach to an unusual experimental finish.

The nose shows wood, sugarcane, orange and an agricole-like lift, while the palate brings wood, vanilla, sugarcane and spice. The finish stays woody, with vanilla, pepper and a dry edge. The Nine Leaves house character leans toward sake and plum-wine notes, and the Armagnac cask layers dark fruit and grape over that vegetal, cane-driven base. The result is geeky and divisive, more a tasting-room pour to pick apart than an everyday sipper. It suits drinkers who already enjoy Nine Leaves' style and like exploring experimental cask finishes at full strength.