The South Pacific distillery is located in Lautoka on the island of Fiji and began production in 1980. Today it is a subsidiary of the Australian brewer, the Fosters group. They operate both, pot and column stills, and is known for making a few styles of rum, from light and easy-going to intense, full bodied, Jamaica-like funky beasts. A 2001 vintage Fiji 100% pot still rum that has been tropically aged for 2 years and the subsequent 19 years continentally before being bottled in 2023. The rum has matured in an ex-rum barrel and was bottled at an ABV of 47,3% vol. 222 bottles only. Tasting Notes: “No reduction here, so one might presume either the ageing took place beyond the Arctic Circle—which we rather doubt—or the cask was a touch, let’s say, porous. Often the source of great surprises, as we've seen with many a sublimely aged Scottish malt. Colour: gold. Nose: well now, olive oil with a touch of acetone and almond milk. In the background, a curious mix of ink, saltpetre, soot, and guava juice. And I’m afraid to say it all comes together rather perfectly. Mouth: a little less precise on the palate, a touch rougher (like a Fijian rugby prop), yet naturally still excellent. The wood feels more present than usual, which might be down to the (relatively) low strength. Finish: long, salty, austere, fairly dry. Comments: not the easiest of drams… but still top class, much like Fiji’s national rugby team.“ Note: SGP:463 - 87 points. Source: whiskyfun.com