Nine Leaves Rum 2020 / 5 Year Old / Ex-PX Small Batch arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is. Crafted by the now-closed Nine Leaves Distillery in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture. This expression was aged for seven years in Pedro Ximénez Sherry barrels, a rich, complex rum with a dessert-. At £135.00, it sits in a competitive bracket, but does it justify its place on the shelf?
Nine Leaves Distillery has built a reputation for consistency and character. This premium expression represents Japan's approach to rum-making at its most characterful. Bottled at 59% ABV, it promises intensity without sacrificing approachability.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Nine Leaves Rum 2020 / 5 Year Old / Ex-PX Small Batch presents old library, antique wood, marzipan, fig compote, sandalwood. It is an inviting and well-composed aromatic profile that draws you into the glass with each return.
The palate delivers elegant tannin structure, Christmas pudding, mahogany warmth, polished leather, complex spice layering. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and powerfully concentrated, with each sip revealing new layers of complexity. There is an elegance here that justifies the price point — every element feels considered and deliberately placed.
The finish is dark fruit elegance, cigar box and cedar. It is a finish that rewards patience and invites contemplation — the hallmark of a truly accomplished spirit.
How to Serve
This is a rum that demands to be savoured neat, perhaps with a single drop of water to coax out the more elusive notes hiding behind the oak. Any mixer would be a disservice to the years of maturation and craft that have gone into this bottle. Pour it into a Glencairn or a brandy balloon, take your time, and appreciate every nuance as it evolves in the glass.
The Verdict
Nine Leaves Rum 2020 / 5 Year Old / Ex-PX Small Batch earns a well-deserved 8 out of 9 on our scale, reflecting an exceptional spirit that stands out in even the most competitive company. At £135.00, it represents a serious investment, but one that delivers commensurate quality, complexity, and memorability. A worthy representative of Japan's rum-making tradition, and a bottle we would happily recommend.
