Valinch & Mallet has crafted something worth paying attention to with Australian 12 Year Old Rum. Hailing from Australia, this aged expression represents the kind of rum-making that rewards careful tasting and an open mind.
Valinch & Mallet has built a reputation for quality in the aged category, and this bottling continues that tradition. An Australian rum from indie bottler Valinch & Mallet, made at a mystery distillery and matured in a single cask for 12 years, before being bottled in 2020.. It is this attention to craft that elevates the final product beyond the ordinary.
On the nose, the rum opens with an inviting complexity that draws you into the glass. There is a confident interplay between the spirit's natural character and the influence of maturation, creating layers that reveal themselves gradually. The palate confirms what the nose promises — this is a rum with genuine substance. At 54.8% ABV, the alcohol is well-integrated, never harsh or overwhelming, allowing the full spectrum of flavour to unfold across the tongue. The mouthfeel is luxuriously smooth, with an almost oily richness without becoming heavy or cloying.
As for serving, Australian 12 Year Old Rum works beautifully neat with a single cube of ice, or in an Old Fashioned where its aged character shines. That said, a spirit at this level of quality deserves at least one tasting neat before you start mixing — you will want to appreciate the complexity that Valinch & Mallet has worked so hard to achieve.
At £93.95, Australian 12 Year Old Rum is a competent entry, though competition at this price is stiff. Scoring 6 out of 10, it holds its own in the aged category. A respectable showing.
