Takamaka Rum St. André Series Extra Noir (43%)

Extra Noir shows a different side of Takamaka than the lighter rums in the Seychelles Series. It sits within the St. André Series, where the distillery gives itself more room for distinctive production choices and less conventional methods. For this rum, Takamaka uses a molasses-based blend of pot and column distillates, then works the spirit with French oak and ex-bourbon wood before giving it a further 60 days of settling in ex-French cane rum casks.

The result is a rum with more weight and depth than the ABV alone might suggest. Spicy notes from the French oak come through clearly, supported by vanilla and sweeter undertones from the ex-bourbon wood. Takamaka also states that some high-ester funk remains in the finished rum, which adds tension and keeps the profile from becoming overly soft or sweet.

The producer clearly presents Extra Noir as a rum suited to a serious highball or other long mixed serve. That fits the structure well: there is enough body, enough oak presence and enough spice for it to remain noticeable when lengthened. Takamaka also states that no sugar is added, the rum is non-chill filtered, and it is bottled at 43% ABV.