I decided it was time to look into some of my samples for the end of this year and I chose this bottling from Bristol Spirits. This rum comes from Labourdonnais in Mauritius and was bottled by Bristol Classic Rums in the UK.
The Mauritius 2010 uses cane juice as the raw material and was distilled using a column still. The rum is entirely aged in the UK in ex-Bourbon casks and it was finished in ex-Cognac barrels bringing it up to a total of 10 years of maturation in wood. Bottled at 47% ABV without any additional additives.
On the nose it feels quite dry. Pandan leaves, lemon zest, dry sherry and yellow apples. Some cane juice and corn as well. It’s pretty subtle on the nose, but it has some inviting flavours. Muscovado sugar, choya plum, yuzu and white grapes.
On the palate it becomes moreish and fruity. White grapes, corn on the cob, yuzu and yellow apples. Maraschino cherries, cane juice and a touch of sea salt. The flavours are bouncing back and forth between sweet, spicy and savoury. White pepper, saffron, pears and meaty oak. The finish is long with oak spices cane juice.
This is very enjoyable, it has the grassy notes of agricole which are complemented by the orchard fruit notes from the Cognac cask influence. Very nicely layered, dry and complex.
A bottle of this Mauritius 2010 can be bought for £80 (The Whisky Exchange) and I think it’s a good purchase if you enjoy any agricole style rums.
Bristol Spirits – Mauritius 2010 score:
Flavour/taste: 57/70
Value for money: 15/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 87/100
Cheers!