Soltera Oro Barrel-Aged Cane Spirit (Batch 1)

The aroma is light and airy with toasted oak over a crisp base. Notes of freshly cut grass, roasted nuts, brown sugar, and subtle tropical fruit are present. With time, honey, mint, maple syrup, and toffee emerge. The initial taste has oak and vanilla from the cask, followed by mild fruity and caramel flavors. The texture is smooth, but a harsh, slightly bitter element appears near the end. The finish is medium-short, with oak, grass, and fruit, leading to a bright, slightly acidic aftertaste. This is a cane spirit, not rum by Australian law, but could be considered rum elsewhere. It has the grassy, agricole character of the distillate, softened by several months in an ex-bourbon barrel, resembling a young Jamaican rum mixed with aged rhum agricole. This particular batch came from a single, re-coopered 155-liter ex-bourbon barrel, aged in a small cask in a hot, humid climate. The micro distillery is run by one person who handles all production except growing and crushing the cane. It's easy to drink and works well in cocktails, though it's not ideal for sipping due to a lack of intense or unique character from the distillate or aging. The reviewer enjoys it and has ordered another bottle. A recipe for a long drink using this spirit is provided. Rating: Good - 84/100 (3.75 stars).