1976 The Last Drop Very Old Jamaica Rum 67.9%

Autumn gold spirit coats the glass with a viscosity rarely seen. It’s rare to see rum of this age, which has matured in both tropical and continental climates. The nose welcomes you to Jamaican rum with a bang. This style of rum is renowned for its funk (“hogo”) and its intensity is the very reason some Scotch fans go wild for Islay whiskies. Just like aged Islay whisky, this 1976 rum has harmonised with age and the result is outstanding. A cornucopia of ripe tropical fruit tames the classic, wood-polish intensity. The palate requires a few dashes of water so you can savour every drop of complexity. Ripe syrupy peaches, caramel, toffee apple, crème brûlée, marzipan, cinnamon-coated apple strudel and cacao are just the beginning. It develops for minutes and every time you go back to the glass, you find more. Premium rum is having a moment, and this is one of the most exciting bottlings we’ve seen.