Review #1061; Rum #389

his rum comes to us from Rasta Morris the independent bottler. This rhum agricole comes from the island of Marie-Galante and the Bielle distillery. The fresh pressed cane juice was put into an ex-bourbon barrel for 8 years in the tropics before it was bottled in Europe with no additives.

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Distillery: Bielle

Bottler: Rasta Morris

Region: Guadeloupe

Still: Colum

ABV: 52.8%

Cask: 8 Years in ex-bourbon in Guadeloupe

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Nose: Lemon bars, nuttiness, nutmeg, clove, black pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, leather, orange peel, passionfruit

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, black pepper, vanilla, sandalwood, leather, orange peel, passionfruit, clove.

Finish: : Medium length finish, dark chocolate, black tea, sandalwood, leather, orange peel, nuttiness, clove

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Conclusion: Very cask forward which usually isn’t my jam but it really works here. Bielle has quickly become one of my favorite distilleries, both for their aged and unaged offerings.

Final Score: 88

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.