Eminente, Reserva, 7-Year-Old, Rum, Cuba (41.3%)

For me, this has the unmistakably Cuban appeal of moreish, well-matured rums from that evocative nation. This is bright and full of verve on the nose and palate, yet enrobed in a familiar, well-worn jacket of sweet oak and spice. Warming touches of smoke and cocoa broaden the finish comfortingly. César Martí, Cuba’s youngest master distiller, has seemingly created this with the gnarled, cracked leather hands of his forebears gently resting on his shoulders.

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros & Rudd (Feb 2021)