Vigia Ron Vigia Grand Reserva 2001

Vigia is a lesser-seen Cuban distillery, and this Grand Reserva is a 2001 vintage aged eighteen years in ex-bourbon and bottled at 40%. Column-distilled from molasses in the light ron ligero tradition, it is a hard rum to find and a distinctive one, a long-aged Cuban that goes its own way rather than fitting the mainstream mould.

The nose offers vanilla, brown sugar, barrel notes and a touch of citrus. The palate is soft and relatively simple, brown sugar and vanilla over a light frame, while the finish brings spice, vanilla and a cigar note. For its age it reads gentle rather than deep, and its unusual character means it tends to divide drinkers, some intrigued, others left wanting more. This is a curiosity for those keen to explore beyond the familiar Cuban names, an idiosyncratic old ron best approached with an open mind rather than high expectations of richness.