AT this time of year I find myself turning more and more to a wholesome, warming spirit at the end of the night. A good digestif should be consumed almost medicinally after the dog has been walked and is curled up at your feet. It has restorative qualities, aids digestion and arguably makes everything right with the world. I normally choose a golden spirit for this all-important nightcap, and I’m equally happy with a brandy, a nice whisky or a generous measure of rum in a crystal glass poured over ice.
Rum is becoming more and more popular and a staggering selection of bottles is available on the gantry of your local trendy drinking emporium. You can choose between rums from such exotic destinations as Cuba, Guyana, Venezuela, Panama, Trinidad, Columbia and (my favourite) Barbados.
Bajan rum is generally very smooth and approachable with tropical fruit, caramel, spice and a hint of tobacco on the palate. It’s great for sipping, slurping, glugging and quaffing either straight up or over ice. It’s also the perfect digestif after you’ve enjoyed a bowl of Geoff’s olive oil ice cream.
Doorly’s 12-year-old Rum (Inverarity One to One, £34.99). This is an exceptional rum from the Foursquare distillery in Barbados. 90 per cent of the spirit is aged for 12 years in bourbon barrels with the other 10 per cent spending 12 years in Madeira casks before being blended together. The Doorly’s range of rums all have a parrot on the label with the rarer bottles sporting rarer birds. This 12-year-old has the extremely rare Spix’s Macaw on the label and you should grab a bottle before the rum becomes as extinct as the bird.
Mount Gay Extra Old Rum (Waitrose, £35). This is an excellent example of a lighter, finer rum from Barbados. It’s gorgeous with a wee drop of water in your favourite glass.
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