Jamaica’s Clarendon distillery is best-known as the source of the super high-ester Monymusk marks, in addition to producing a large share of that famous Captain, but this single cask from the ImpEx Collection showcases a different side of the distillery’s repertoire. The MBKB mark is a light-ferment and light pot-distillation style, offering up the perfect combination of approachability and luxurious complexity. Relatively easy on the esters (70-80 g/hL for this mark), this cask presents an elegant but deep nose of candied orange peel, strawberries, and raspberries with charming spice nuances in the background, such as sandalwood and nutmeg. There’s no heat whatsoever, so you can dive right in. With time, it takes on a lovely Armagnac-like profile, along with soft, spicy hints of pumpernickel bread and gingersnap cookies. In a pleasant surprise, the palate is much spicier and more woodsy than the nose. The candied orange note remains front and center, but it’s framed by a tart pithiness and a pronounced note of eucalyptus, while the soft, sweet spices from the nose are much more savory now. The medium-weight texture is exceptionally balanced and tense. White pepper and a touch of paprika add depth, and the medium-length, highly focused finish carries a refreshing tinge of mint and pine resin. This is definitely a different yet absolutely enchanting expression of one of Jamaica’s most important distilleries.
94 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Jun 2025)
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