Libre Rum Essence 20 ml

Libre Rum Essence 20 ml

Three ingredients, a tall glass and plenty of ice. Rum, cola and lime may well be the most-mixed drink in the world, and the secret of a really good one is not the cola – it is the rum. It has to be light and dry, so that the lime can sparkle and the sweetness of the cola is kept in check. A heavy, sweet rum makes the drink cloying; a clean, crisp one makes it irresistible.

Libre was created with precisely that glass in mind. The name means free, and that is how the rum feels: uncomplicated, airy and released from everything unnecessary. The green freshness of sugar cane, a light note of vanilla, a little almond and a streak of citrus – nothing more is needed to lift a long drink from a weekday to a Friday.

Colour & Appearance

The finished rum is pale and clear, with at most a faint straw-yellow tinge. In a frosted glass with ice and cola it is the flavour, not the colour, that does the work.

Nose

The nose is light and fresh. Newly pressed sugar cane and a grassy, green note come first, followed by vanilla sugar and sweet almond. Lemon peel and lime give a perky lift, and last of all there is a suggestion of white pepper and a breath of pineapple.

Palate

The palate is dry, clean and direct. The sugar cane gives a brief, cool sweetness on the attack which is promptly met by the tartness of citrus. Almond and vanilla round off the middle without making the rum sweet, and a light peppery warmth lends backbone towards the end. The body is slender and the texture smooth. Drunk neat it is discreet and tidy – but in the company of lime and bubbles it wakes up, and you understand what it is for.

Finish

The finish is short, dry and refreshing, with lime, a little vanilla and a clean note of sugar cane. It leaves the palate lively and ready for more.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit, and the rum is ready to drink straight away. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished spirit drink. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• Rum and cola with squeezed lime and ice right up to the rim.
• With orange or pineapple juice as a simple brunch drink.
• A Mojito with mint, lime and soda.
• With tonic and a wedge of grapefruit for a drier long drink.
• Shaken with lime, sugar syrup and a few mint leaves, served in a coupe.

About the Essence

Libre is the rum for those who mostly mix long drinks and want a dry, unaffected base that never turns too sweet. It is a touch crisper and greener in tone than White Baccara Rum, which has more vanilla and tropical fruit – do try both and find your favourite.

The essence comes in 20 ml, 280 ml, 1000 ml and 25 litres, so you can grow from the odd bottle to party and producer sizes with the very same flavour.