William Hinton 9 Months

William Hinton revives a historic name in Madeiran rum, distilling from fresh sugar cane juice on an island that, unusually outside the French territories, may legally call its spirit rhum agricole. This expression rests just nine months in Madeira casks, barely past unaged, and is bottled at a gentle 40%.

At this age the spirit sits between a rested blanc and a young aged rum, with the column still keeping a grassy, vegetal freshness while the brief cask time adds a wine-touched softness. Honey, vanilla and a little Madeira-style wine note lead, backed by cut grass and yellow fruit. It is light and uncomplicated, an honest entry-level glass that shows where agricole begins rather than where it can go, well suited to a Ti Punch or a long, refreshing serve.