It’s one of the French Caribbean’s signature brands, and arguably the most popular ingredient in the classic ti ‘punch: Rhum Bologne, Guadeloupe’s rum powerhouse. 

But for years, Bologne was just that: part of a ti’ punch, an outstanding cocktail. 

In recent years, though, Bologne has quietly developed its aged portfolio — and its most recent output has reached a new level — as it has simultaneously put out a remarkable array of smaller-batch white rhums like Black Cane and, most notably, the celebrated La Coulisse (which took home Double Gold at the 2019 Caribbean Rum Awards in St Barth.)

We were lucky enough to find a good selection of Bologne expressions on a recent jaunt to Saint Martin, and the results continued to impress. 

Our favorite? The new Bologne Grand Reserve. 

The Bologne GR is a blend of rhums aged between six and eight years in French oak, bottled in an elegant package. 

So what’s it like?

The Grande Reserve has an aroma of mango, dried figs and apricot. 

Its flavor profile is marked by notes of black pepper, orange peel, fennel and a hint of candied mango. 

It’s a wonderfully balanced rum with a harmonious, exquisite finish, one that lingers on delightfully, like a sugarcane ember on your palate. 

Bologne’s aged rums have come a very long way in just a few years – and the Grande Reserve is a stunner. 

This is a really good rum. Period. 

Rum Journal Review: 95 Points