Takamaka, Le clos napa laz
ABV: 53.4%
Country: Seychelles
Age: Unaged
Cask: N/a
Still: Unknown
Price: £70
Distillery: Takamaka Rum Distillery
Takamaka’s Le Clos Napa Laz is an intriguing expression that highlights the creativity coming out of the Seychelles. Takamaka is one of the few distilleries in the region, founded in 2002, and has quickly become known for producing rums that combine traditional Caribbean techniques with the unique terroir of the islands. This latest addition to the Le Clos series is Napa Laz – a rum made from a blend of 100% unaged local sugarcane rums. Interestingly, this rum blend is made up of not only the ‘heart’ distillate as is common but also the heads and tails from 2022 and 2023, which are redistilled to produce what the brand is calling a ‘third heart’.
Le Clos Napa Laz specifically showcases the influence of carefully selected oak casks, including some that previously held French wines, giving the rum a subtle depth and complexity. The distillery places a strong emphasis on quality and consistency, and each bottle is a reflection of the island’s tropical climate, which accelerates ageing and enhances aromatic development. Takamaka has been steadily building a reputation for approachable yet distinctive rums, and Le Clos Napa Laz is a prime example of their philosophy in action.
Nose
This is a pungent nose offering a lot of raw/fresh agricole notes. There is also creamy vanilla, vibrant pear & apples, lychee and a hint of white pepper. Cane juice is very present offering a nice balance of earthiness with fresh vegetation and some chemical notes underneath.
Palate
This has a spiky warm mouthfeel with a surprisingly thick, almost cloying/claggy, texture/mouthfeel.
This is definitely what I would call a considerate sipper with lots of layered flavours.
The key note to call out here is a very yeasty, doughy warm bread that dominates the palate.. eventually giving way to fresh fruit (again lychee plus the addition of gentle lemon and lime)
This has an exceptionally long finish with some muted spice and a note I can only think to describe as eucalyptus.
5/10 – I’m not sure this is a “go to neat sipper” for me, but it’s a good rum and made a nice change.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
