BALLY 2006 Brut de fût Conquête, 57.5% ABV

J. Bally Rum is a prestigious and flavorful agricole rum from Martinique, crafted from fresh sugarcane juice. Renowned for its rich heritage dating back to 1917, J. Bally offers a distinctive taste profile with notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and spices, thanks to its careful aging in oak barrels. This rum is appreciated for its complexity and smoothness, making it a favorite among rum aficionados and a versatile choice for sipping neat or in cocktails.

The Bally 2006 is a rare vintage bottled at cask strength (what brut de fût means) by LMDW, having spent 15 years prior to that slumbering in French oak casks.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich, ample. Beautifully oxidative (cherry eau-de-vie, apricot), the first nose is also floral (linden, honeysuckle) and honeyed (heather, lavender). On aeration, nuts (cashews), turmeric and mustard seeds add even more richness to the extroverted character of the aromatic palette. Gradually, cocoa powder, orange zest, beeswax and black licorice cover the olfactory space. Very nice increase in power of the fruit register.

Palate: Both lively and smooth. With a particularly silky touch (peach skin, leather), the attack on the palate is also powdered (rice and semolina with cinnamon). In the mid-palate, apricots, oranges, heady flowers (geranium) and aromatic plants (laurel, sage) intermingle with deep harmony. The aftertaste puts sugar cane at the center of the taste palette. Again, there is a tremendous evolution of fruity and floral flavors.

Finish: Long, balanced. In turn, very tactile, the start of the finish is a concentrate of iris concrete, candied ginger, grilled nuts and exotic fruits (plantain banana, mango, guava). The very end of the mouth features the precious character of perfectly integrated wood. In the aftertaste, sugar cane pierces the taste palette. The empty glass is marked by notes of iodine dye and geranium flower.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!