Following the rather exhilarating encounter with the spirited six-year-old from @engenhosdonorte, I transitioned to a more mature expression from the distillery. This particular offering was just over twice the age of its predecessor—Cask no. 173, distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2021. A mere 228 bottles were produced, each at a robust cask strength of 56.3% abv.

The nose was distinctly big and expressive, with a certain roundness about it, possessing an oily quality yet with a hint of funkiness, reminiscent of damp, musty wood, and a grassiness that was notably more pronounced than its younger counterpart. However, where they converged was in their shared qualities with the rhum agricoles of Martinique. What truly distinguished it was that subtle lift at the end, introducing a light maritime savouriness, accompanied by a plethora of sweet citrus, fuji apples, and the scent of fresh eucalyptus trees.

The palate was an absolute delight—juicy, oily, and imbued with the rich essence of sugarcane juice, reminiscent of chewing on freshly cut canes. Intermittent flashes of citrus notes were very nicely paired alongside a toffee-like sweetness, milk chocolates, and hazelnut pralines. As it approached the finish, the palate became ever so slightly more spritely, with the essence of Fuji apples and the gentle sweetness of cane juice once again taking centre stage.

For me, it was a most intriguing distillate. Despite having spent 11 years in a cask and undergoing tropical ageing, I could still discern the new-make spirit with remarkable clarity, particularly its grassy notes, all of which were distinctly present. The sole drawback was that the rum appeared less integrated towards the end, which in the grander scheme of things was just a small blemish on what was a tasty Madeira rum.

Your occasional rum addict!

@weixiang_liu