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 the slope of Mount Pelee on a sloping field with low cloud ceiling and sea breezes, (most sugarcane is grown on flat land on poor soil) on a single estate making it a unique microclimate and small circumscribed geographic area – much like the great houses of Bordeaux, Cognac or Champagne claim weather, soil and geographic demarcations and resulting effects.

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 world’s production of rum is made this way and the process yields a dramatically different product. It is one of a series of rums (which differ in age) the others being Rhum Blanc J. M., Rhum J. M. VSOP, and Rhum J.M. Millesime 1997. This particular version is aged in American and French Limuosin oak casks for at least 4-5 years before bottling.

Appearance: Bright, clear, wheat straw in color with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Long legs and beading develop on swirling.

First Impression: Cinnamon, bubblegum and whisky taste to it slightly burnt/oxidized sugar notes more reminiscent of a molasses product.

Taste: Sharp, cinnamon and banana notes. Dryish finish, medium long. Not pleasant.

Drinks: Mixes OK better than a number of gold rums but that is about it.

Cigars: A cigar a little darker than the rum is a good guide. Try a shade wrapper or other mild one with this so as to not to lose the the subtlety of the rum.

Bottle/Packaging: Heavy clear bell shaped bottle with bulbous neck- great ergonomics for gripping and pouring.

Final Thoughts: A bit of a shock after the Blanco. Maybe we got a bad bottle.

Other : This spirit is part of remarkable portfolio of the Domiane Select Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection along with the following spirits we have already reviewed Averna Sambuca Liquirizia , Averna Sambuca , Averna Limoni , Deaths Door Vodka , G Vine Floraison , G’Vine Nouaison , Rhum J.M. Blanc ,Rhum J.M VSOP , Rhum J.M. Vieux,Suprema Grappa along with others we have not yet reviewed but hope to in the future, given the quality of what we have already reviewed. We applaud Domaine Select in spearheading a conscious decision to assemble a portfolio of artisanal spirits and to provide distribution and access to such a group of spirits to the trade and consumers. If only other companies did such a thing, we would all be drinking in a better world.

Website: http://www.rhum-jm.com/

Adequate amount of information, but not by much. Could be a bit more detailed for my taste.