Watt Rum A.F.D. Rum

Watt Rum chose this single cask of Dominican rum from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos and bottled it at 14 years old, undiluted, in the independent full-proof tradition. It is a Spanish-style ron in origin but handled in the purist manner, dry and unsweetened at cask strength, which sets it apart from the soft, sugared bottlings the country is often associated with.

The molasses base was aged in ex-bourbon, and the spirit's gentle column character carries the oak well, giving roasted wood and a clear fruitiness rather than heavy funk. The nose runs woody and roasted with fruit, citrus and a thread of cardamom, the palate turns warm with peaches and ripe fruit over light caramel, and the finish lifts floral with strawberry alongside the wood. At 57.1% it has real grip and depth, a serious, sugar-free Dominican single cask that rewards a drop of water and unhurried attention.