Burdekin Distillery Distillers Edition Premium V.O. Rum (700ml)

A limited run of 600 bottles, Burdekin's high ABV 'VO' expression is matured for 3 years and 4 months in wet Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels. Delivering slightly more body and depth, the bouquet is relatively shy, the palate understated, but there's a quiet confidence that speaks of authenticity. Gingery warmth, dark chocolate and low key fruitiness are here; because there's no added sugar it remains on the drier side, rather elegant and debonair by most rum standards. This also boasts the most 'premium' feel of the distillery's current collection. Our tasting was limited to a 20ml sample. 48% Alc./Vol. No additives.

Other reviews... This Distillers Edition rum from Burdekin is a higher-proof version of its Premium Aged Rum, matured for three years in ex-bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky. As a blend of its two earliest batches of molasses distillate, this is very much a work-in-progress bottling for the young distillery, which I love to see as a liquid record of a producer's development over time. In other words, don’t expect future batches to taste like this. Much less floral and spice forward than the Premium Rum, this version is instead rich and sweet-smelling, with notes of treacle and honey. Yet this still retains an overall fruity brightness of pears poached with lavender, the oak lending an element almost reminiscent of Speyside single malt. Dry, light and oaky on the palate, this is not a rum for sweet tooths, but this would add a lot of complexity and depth to your favourite rum cocktail. 92 points - Fred Siggins, winecompanion.com.au

Notes from the producers... Aroma of toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate, along with hints of acacia flower and ginger, culminating in a rich butterscotch finish on the palate.