Velier Privateer Warren Khong Villa Paradisetto 1988/2020 2017

Velier Privateer Warren Khong Villa Paradisetto is a single cask American rum, pot distilled at Privateer in Massachusetts and selected by Velier, the Genoese house regarded as the most prestigious name in collectible rum. True to Velier's approach it is tropically irrelevant here and continental in feel, bottled at a natural barrel proof of 54.2% with no added sugar, an unusual and characterful pour from a young distillery.

The pot still base and ex-bourbon maturation give it an almost bourbon-like accent, vanilla, toffee, caramel and burnt sugar wrapped in warm baking spice, with apple and light wood on the finish. The youth shows as brightness rather than rawness, and the alcohol integrates well, so it sips easily despite the strength. Dry and unsweetened throughout, it appeals to drinkers who enjoy bourbon or vanilla-forward American whiskey but want those flavours in a rum that keeps its sugar out of the glass.