Beenleigh Bourbon Barrel is a young molasses rum from the Queensland region of Australia. Beenleigh is the country's oldest distillery still in operation, and produces its rums using a variety of equipment. The molasses mash first passes through a column, then a second pass through a pot-still.
Aging usually takes place in brandy casks, as well as in bourbon barrels. In this case, only bourbon barrels were used, for a period of 30 months.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose is very fruity and, above all, very resinous. It starts with fresh apples and pears, but quickly turns to sap, juniper berries and pine needles.
With aeration, the resin doesn't weaken, and we find ourselves on the verge of gin. This extremely natural aspect is quite disarming, as we find ourselves very close to fresh wood. With a little rest, a mildly spicy sweetness settles in.
The palate is divided between the freshness and intensity of the resin, and a certain burnt, strongly roasted side. The spices are fresh too, with hints of aniseed, caraway and, why not, cardamom. Finally, the raw wood gives way to more familiar vanilla notes.
The finish takes us to the heart of a fruity, rather bold rum, still carrying strong juniper berry flavors.
"A very surprising and confusing rum, with strong resin and juniper accents..."
