Rum - Clément Cuvée Homère
H. Clément
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Clément Cuvée Homère
H. Clément, Martinique-French West Indies
Sugar Cane Juice
Proof: 88 (44%)
Age: Currently blend of 1999,1996,1991 Vintages
Type: Rhum Agricole
Price: $100.00 750 ml
Notes: One of the few rums (NB: French spelling rhums) in the world to claim a terroir as the sugar cane is grown in a unique microclimate in volcanic soil on a single estate making it a unique microclimate and small circumscribed geographic area (and granted an AOC because of it)- much like the great houses of Bordeaux, Cognac or Champagne claim weather, soil and geographic demarcations and resulting effects. Produced and bottled on the estate.
Another noteworthy point is that it is a Rhum Agricole or made directly from sugar cane juice rather than molasses. Less than 5% of the worlds production of rum is made this way and the process yields a dramatically different product.
distilled and a small single column copper pot still, which yields a lower proof spirit full of flavor, rather than a highly distilled relatively flavorless spirit.
It is one of a series of rums (which differ in age)- the others being Première Canne, Clément V.S.O.P., and Clément XO Rum.
This particular version is hand selected blend of vintage rums aged in both French Limousin and American oak.
Appearance: Patinated bronze/gold, orange/yellow, teak. Like a very expensive cognac. Bright,clear with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Long legs and beading develop on swirling.
First Impression: Exceptionally clean, slightly woody/fiberous sugar cane smell, ghee(clarified butter), pemmican fruits, nut butter, peppery/oak around the edges. No off-notes of bitter/burnt smell you can get with a molasses product, almost a dry bouquet compared to most molasses rums.
Taste: Highly nuanced and textured, wood notes with fruit, tarragon, licorice root, floral notes, then and a dry sweet brine. Dryish finish; medium long. Delightful.
Drinks: Best enjoyed on its own as a sipping rum.
Cigars: A cigar a little darker than the rum is a good guide. Opus X or a good Davidoff Cuban.
Final Thoughts: This Rum is an excellent example of a older Rhum Agricole and really showcases the difference between a sugarcane juice rum, and a molasses rum.Most molasses rum this old starts to taste like creosote and sugar this however, is wonderful. A worthy investment.
Bottle/Packaging: Almost square (rhomboid) decanter with heavy base (similar to those big perfume bottles in a store). Gold script and a slikscreened line drawing of the Plantation house which is visible through the rum. Heavy knurled metal cap (reminds me of a grenade cartridge case given the size) finishes the package. Nicely done overall, lovely to look at.
Website: http://www.rhumclement.com
Adequate information if you read French. Could be a bit more detailed for my taste.
Overall rating:
