This is a single cask rum from Chamarel Distillery in Mauritius, bottled by House of Rum in 2023 at 54.2% ABV with no reduction. The cask yielded 273 bottles. The producer says it is made from estate-grown red and yellow sugarcane.
 
It was matured in two climates. The rum spent two years in ex-bourbon casks in Mauritius, then seven years in the UK in ex-English whisky casks that had previously held red wine. The casks are the most distinctive part of this release: the long second stage was in wood with a red wine history, which sets it apart from the ex-bourbon and ex-rum maturation in the other House of Rum bottlings we stock. The source doesn’t say how much influence the wine had.
 
The nose shows ripe cherries, stewed prunes and warm vanilla, with hay, fragrant herbs and a touch of spice. The palate is smooth and well rounded, with caramelised red apple, blossom honey and dried fruit, leading to a lingering finish with hints of dark chocolate.
 
House of Rum was named Independent Bottler of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. That award recognises the bottler rather than this particular rum.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Ripe cherries, stewed prunes, warm vanilla, hay, fragrant herbs, a touch of spice
Palate: Smooth and well rounded. Caramelised red apple, blossom honey, dried fruit
Finish: Lingering, with hints of dark chocolate