1998 V&M Bellevue 20 yr. - 58.2%
From K&L: Distilled in 1998 on the island of Guadeloupe at the Bellevue Distillery on Marie-Galante. There are three different "Bellevue" distilleries in Guadeloupe. It's been aged tropically for 20 years in American oak and bottled at full strength without any additions or adjustments. While Guadeloupe is famous for its fresh sugar cane distillates, this product was produced using a molasses base in the off season on the same stills that produce the agricole. An extremely unique and delicious offering similar to the exceptional Golden Devil Guadeloupe that K&L purchased some years ago.
Notes: Craft colas. Bruleed banana. Tar. Oak. Damp vegetation. Wood is less dominant on the palate than other '98 Bellevues I've tried. Caramel. Banana again. Baking spice. Molasses. Very rich and integrated. Structure is a little compressed up front but opens up toward the back with a slight oak spike. Medium length for a balanced finish.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Some of the 98 Bellevues I've tried have pushed the boundaries of their composition. Never losing it, but they've stretched big in all the fun ways. Rich, decadent, challenging pours. This version leans more composed and balanced. Possibly a result of an extra year or two of aging on the others I tried. Still haven't met one I didn't like.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour