Nine Leaves - 5 years old - 2020 - Small Batch PX - 59%
Nine Leaves 5 years 2020 Small Batch PX 59% is a characterful rum that combines Japanese precision with the indulgence of aging in Pedro Ximénez casks. The deep amber robe with mahogany highlights suggests a great aromatic concentration. On the nose, the rum opens with intense notes of dried fig, date, Corinth raisin, and candied orange peels, carried by a veil of dark caramel and molasses. Then come bitter cocoa, roasted coffee, and a touch of walnut, reflecting the long infusion of the sweet Andalusian wine. The cane expresses itself subtly, in a sensation of brown sugar and gently spiced cane syrup. The whole gives an impression of depth and controlled warmth, with a dense but perfectly clear bouquet. From the first sniff, one senses a tasting rum, designed to be savored slowly.
On the palate, the 59% strength presents with a clear but remarkably integrated intensity, offering a broad and enveloping attack. The heart of the palate unfolds a rich texture, saturated with dried fruits, prune, dark chocolate, and burnt caramel, balanced by a spicy framework of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mild pepper. The texture, oily without heaviness, coats the palate and highlights a noble woodiness with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and brown sugar. Some fresher notes of blood orange, black tea, and delicate rancio add relief and prevent any sensation of easy sweetness. A drop of water further opens the aromatic palette, revealing touches of roasted hazelnut, dark honey, and blond tobacco. The alcoholic warmth remains under control, fully expressing the complexity of the aging. One has the sensation of a powerful, deep rum, but perfectly restrained.
The finish is long, very persistent, marked by the return of dried fruits, bitter cocoa, soft spices, and a polished woodiness that prolongs the pleasure for many seconds. It is a rum that clearly calls for pure tasting, in a suitable glass, after a few minutes of airing to reveal all its layers. It will find a fine echo with high-cocoa dark chocolate, a dried fruit tart, a dessert with candied citrus, or a finely chosen cigar. Its profile makes it an ideal companion for moments of meditation, when one wishes to savor sip after sip a spirit with strong personality. The Small Batch character and the age statement reinforce its dimension as a connoisseur’s bottle, far from standardized profiles. It is a rum for contemplation, built on richness, balance, and aromatic depth.
This item is limited to 2 units per customer.
