SBS French Antilles 2021 PX finish

ABV: 55.5%

Country: Martinique 

Age: <12 months

Cask: PX cask

Still: Column still

Price: Unknown

Distillery: Le Galion Distillery

This rum review/tasting note was done in a blind tasting by selecting a sample out of my box at random and pouring it into my glass without looking so had no idea what I ended up with. I then typed up my notes before finally checking to see what was in my glass.

SBS from 1423.dk is an independent bottler that releases a number of single barrel selections (SBS) in very limited numbers. This expression is an exceptionally rare release as it was made for the UK Rum Club and only 29 bottles were ever made.

Nose

Sherry (probs PX), wet wood (suggests a younger aging, under 5 years maybe), dark chocolate right on the back end with vibrant spices that instantly make me think of a warm mulled wine.

After being in the glass for an hour (and with the couple of drops of water for dilution) some additional herbaceous notes had developed.

Palate

This is hot and bizarre! Think this is a higher ABV with heat, alcohol burn and some tongue tingle. Dark and strong sherry influence alongside bold wood. Tart with the traditional “rummy notes” second to the sherry/wood.
Opening this up with a couple of drops of water let dark chocolate notes come through whilst helping to round off the vibrant rich sherry notes.

5/10 – I enjoyed this, especially once I’d opened it up with some water, but it’s a bit too hot and strange for me to say it’s a very good rum for my palate.