First Impressions
Beenleigh is Australia's oldest rum distillery, and its selection by Habitation Velier for the Magnum Photography Series #2 is a significant endorsement. This 2015 expression was produced from both column and pot stills, matured in bourbon casks, and bottled at 60% ABV.
Tasting
The nose is vibrant and tropical. Fruit leads with oak and vanilla adding depth. Citrus brightens things, and there's a distinctly Australian character — different from Caribbean tropical rum in ways that are hard to define but unmistakable.
The palate is vibrant. Tropical fruit and oak spice form the core, vanilla adds sweetness, citrus provides brightness, and the Australian character is bold and distinctive at cask strength. The combination of column and pot still distillation creates a well-balanced profile.
The finish is medium-long with tropical fruit, oak, and a clean Australian close.
The Bottom Line
At £125, Beenleigh 2015 offers an exciting taste of what Australia's oldest rum distillery can produce under Velier's curation. The tropical character and distinctive Australian terroir make this a valuable addition to any rum collection. Eight years is just the beginning for this distillery's Velier partnership.
