Transcontinental Rum Line Jamaica 2013

Transcontinental Rum Line Jamaica 2013 is a navy strength pure single pot still rum from Worthy Park Estate.

Worthy Park has been making sugar since 1670, the oldest such operation on the island, with a distillery attached that runs a single Forsyth's double-retort pot still. It sat idle for years until a new still went in during 2005 and brought the place back. Fermented molasses was distilled and the spirit matured in ex-bourbon barrels, more than four years in Jamaica and then a further year in Europe, before bottling at navy strength with natural colour and no added sugar. Tropical maturation does more to a spirit in four years than a European cellar manages in eight.

Restrained on the nose for the strength, with fruit, vanilla and high-toned esters in balance, then brine, honey, stone fruit and a touch of marzipan across a rich, gripping palate. Sip it neat and add water gradually, since a few drops bring the savoury, earthy side forward. Room temperature, no ice.