Transcontinental Rum Line French West Indies VO Agricole (70cl, 46%)

This is a rhum agricole from the French West Indies, distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses. It is bottled at 46% and aged for a minimum of three years, which gives it the VO designation. Fermentation is short and natural, and distillation takes place in a traditional Creole column still. Maturation begins in ex-bourbon casks in the French Caribbean, then continues in Europe's cooler climate. The rum is non chill filtered and has no additives. The nose is bright and grassy, with sugarcane, lime zest, white flowers, honey, green apple and light oak. The palate is crisp and earthy, with cane juice, citrus, vanilla bean, gentle spice and a mineral edge. It finishes clean, with herbs, sugarcane and a trace of oak.