First Impressions
Spirited Union's Lemon & Leaf follows their innovative approach to botanical rum, this time combining Amalfi lemons, blue eucalyptus leaves, and Sri Lankan Highland black tea. Made in Amsterdam, it represents a European approach to rum flavouring — thoughtful, botanical-driven, and more complex than simple fruit infusions.
Tasting Notes
The nose is bright and herbal. Amalfi lemon zest leads, with eucalyptus freshness adding an aromatic lift. Black tea tannins provide structure, and gentle rum sweetness anchors everything. On the palate, zesty lemon brightness is immediately refreshing, eucalyptus provides a distinctive coolness, and black tea adds a tannic structure you rarely find in flavoured spirits. The rum sweetness balances the botanical intensity.
The finish is medium, with lemon zest and eucalyptus fading to a clean, tea-like close.
How to Drink It
With tonic water and a lemon slice — this is essentially a rum-based G&T alternative. Also excellent in a Rum Sour where the lemon character amplifies the citrus.
The Bottom Line
Spirited Union Lemon & Leaf earns a 7 — genuinely innovative botanical rum with real complexity. At £30, the natural botanicals and Amsterdam craft credentials offer good value.
