Oaks & Ames VSOP Rum arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is. Oaks & Ames is a sugarcane juice–based rum from Mauritius, distilled in small batches using hybrid copper stills and aged for four years in a blend of sweet wine, Cognac, bourbon, and new. At £55.50, it sits in a competitive bracket, but does it justify its place on the shelf?
From Oaks & Ames Distillery, bottled at 43% ABV, this expression offers an accessible entry point into agricole rum without compromising on quality. Oaks & Ames has crafted something worth paying attention to here.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Oaks & Ames VSOP Rum presents lemongrass, basil, wet stone, celery salt, cucumber, green olive. It is an inviting and well-composed aromatic profile that draws you into the glass with each return.
The palate delivers floral delicacy, grassy sugarcane, white pepper, herbal complexity, green olive brine, mineral freshness. 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 delicate floral tail with dry, crisp close. 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
Oaks & Ames VSOP Rum 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 £55.50, it offers strong value for the quality on offer and will reward repeat visits. A worthy representative of Mauritius's rum-making tradition, and a bottle we would happily recommend.
