NV TBRC: Engenhos do Norte (Madeira), Batch 1, 7yo (48.8%)

Madeira was famous for sugar production in the 15th and 16th centuries. While today few rum distilleries remain on the island, the few that do produce some fantastic spirits. This one comes from Engenhos do Norte (or North Distillery) and is made in an unusual way – with unleavened dough kickstarting the fermentation of the sugarcane juice. It’s distilled in a tall Barbet copper column still and matured in French oak. A veritable tropical fruit bowl, from the very outset the nose is defined by pink grapefruit freshness and vivid mango. Earthy vanilla pod notes add promising depth. The palate continues the vanilla theme, while adding poached pears and peaches, along with an apple crumble-like dimension, all wrapped in a lip-smackingly round texture. A gentle heat lifts the finish as the fruit dries out to become a little Christmassy.