Savanna 2016 Red Wine Finish
Cask Type: Barrel
Bottled: 2023
Age: 7
Region: Reunion
No. of bottles: 212
ABV: 65%
Release: Autumn Release 2023
Rob Whitehead
“Densely spiced and inflected with heady red fruits, this first-ever bottling under the Berry Bros. & Rudd label from the Indian Ocean island of Réunion is a big, generous Rum. An expansive palate of green, tropical fruit, gooey treacle spice and sweet Rum “funk” leads to a moreishly tannic finish and purple jams and exotic woods. A few drops of water opened things up very well for me, but too many sadly drowned all those lush fruits.”
Tasting Notes
Spirit and wood have engaged in a dramatic tango in this rum and it’s a slow dance with the elements infusing. There is a smokiness, spice, soft vanilla and red wine scent from the glass. The spice and herb scents hit with cinnamon and a touch of fennel hidden behind ripe berry fruit. The palate has a delightfully earthy grip which has the last word.
Distillery
Jonny McMillan says: “This was a new distillery for me, not one I’ve tried before – but it’s got great character and is hugely quaffable, so it definitely won’t be the last dram I enjoy from this distillery… ”