Burdekin Burnt Cane Spirit / Distillers Edition arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is. This unaged rum is crafted from fresh sugarcane juice harvested in 2017. It underwent a wild fermentation before the distillery’s signature yeast could be added, resulting in a truly uniq. At £53.95, it sits in a competitive bracket, but does it justify its place on the shelf?
From Burdekin Distillery, bottled at 40% ABV, this expression offers an accessible entry point into agricole rum without compromising on quality. Burdekin has crafted something worth paying attention to here.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Burdekin Burnt Cane Spirit / Distillers Edition presents floral meadow, green sugarcane, white flowers, fresh-cut grass, mineral, herbaceous. It is an inviting and well-composed aromatic profile that draws you into the glass with each return.
The palate delivers grassy sugarcane, herbal complexity, floral delicacy, green olive brine, mineral freshness, white pepper. The mouthfeel is well-balanced and approachable, with each sip revealing new layers of complexity. The fresh cane juice character provides a distinctly different drinking experience to molasses-based rums, with an almost wine-like terroir quality.
The finish is mineral aftertaste, fresh and herbaceous. A satisfying conclusion that leaves you reaching for the glass once more.
How to Serve
The Ti Punch is the classic serve and the one we would recommend first — a measure of rum, a disc of lime pressed against the glass, and a barspoon of cane syrup. The simplicity of this cocktail allows the terroir-driven character of the rum to shine unimpeded. It also works beautifully in a Daiquiri, where the grassy, herbal notes provide an entirely different dimension to the cocktail compared with a molasses-based spirit.
The Verdict
Burdekin Burnt Cane Spirit / Distillers Edition earns a well-deserved 7 out of 9 on our scale, reflecting a well-crafted rum that delivers genuine quality and character for its price point. At £53.95, it offers strong value for the quality on offer and will reward repeat visits. A bottle worth seeking out and one we would happily pour again.