The Roots Bellevue 24 Year 1998

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1229; Rum #542

This rum comes from a large batch of molasses rum distilled at Damoiseau in 1998. It was acquired by the Main Rum company who re-casked it and labelled it as Bellevue after the estate the distillery is located on. This was bottled at cask strength with no additives and is a mix of tropical and continental ageing.

Distillery: Damoiseau

Bottler: The Roots

Region: Guadeloupe

Still: Column

ABV: 51.5%

Nose: Raspberry, Star Anise, Rubbery, Passionfruit, Lemon Zest

Palate:  Medium oily mouthfeel, Black Pepper, Raspberry, Star Anise, Rubbery, Cinnamon, Black Tea, Wildflower

Finish:  Long Finish, Raspberry, Star Anise, Passionfruit, Lemon Zest, Allspice, Rubber

Conclusion: An excellent rum, this hits those industrial, cough syrup and fruity notes I really like in a certain subset of rums.

Final Score: 91

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.

Published by The Auditor

Unknown's avatar

I have drank my fair amount of single malt but got started writing reviews about Single Malt and Bourbon in 2018. Over 1000 total reviews later and I focus mainly on Sugar Cane Spirits now. However, single malt is a still a spirits category I enjoy greatly as is Agave and Brandy. I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself an expert but I am the resident Rum obsessed writer for Malt Runners.

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