2011 Berry Bros. & Rudd Epris, Rum, Brasil (51.2%)

This exquisite Brazilian rum from Epris distillery exudes a ripe fruitiness and smoky depth on its first nosing. There is a tarry element with underlying notes of overripe banana cut with lime astringency. Overall, this is elegantly refined and finely balanced. The palate has a grapier taste to it on first approach, before settling and delivering some caramelised elements.

The banana returns to soften the initial impact, yet the citrus is plain to be felt. The wood, from American refill barrels and some indigenous Imbuana, is effortlessly integrated. This is an excellent marriage of 80% cane juice and 20% molasses and quite a masterstroke of blending the two. Distilled in 2011, this landed in the UK at 6 years old to mature in our damper climes and seems all the better for it.