Versailles 2007/2024 16 Year Old Rum Nation (70cl, 58.2%)

A 16-year-old rum distilled in 2007 in a wooden pot still in Guyana and bottled in 2024 by Rum Nation for its Small Batch Rare Rums series, at 58.2% in a 70cl bottle. Rums from casks 16, 17, 18 and 21 were combined for this release, giving 1,136 individually numbered bottles. The rum was finished in casks that previously held peated whisky, adding a smoky character, and was bottled at cask strength without chill filtration or colouring. It comes in a gift tube with a glass stopper. The nose recalls agave and light smoke, like mezcal, with ripe pineapple and papaya, plus mild spice with cinnamon and cloves. The palate shows distinct peat, dry and earthy, with an oily fullness, sea salt and a flavour reminiscent of sour sweets. The finish is long, keeping the oily fullness with eucalyptus and star anise.