Review by: The Auditor

Review #1322; Rum #627

This rum here was distilled at Nine Leaves, a Japanese rum distillery that close din 2023 and whose stock was bought by Velier. This rum was distilled from Kokuto sugar and fermented for four days. It was then distilled in two Forsyth’s Scottish Pot Stills, and bottled unaged with no additives. This is the last distillate bottled before the final closure of the distillery.

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Distillery: Nine Leaves

Bottler: Velier

Region:  Japan

Still: Pot

ABV: 62%

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Nose:  Brine, Lemongrass, Raisins, Pear, Lavender

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Pear, Lavender, Lemongrass, Brine, Grapefruit, Minerality

Finish:  Medium length finish, Brine, Pear, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Minerality, Clove

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Conclusion: You know, it’s a shame this is now closed because this unaged distillate is pretty fantastic. Fruity and floral, it has a nice minerality to it as well. Despite being so high proof it still comes off as light, but still with good body and finish. Overall, a great rum.

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.