Really shows the difference between a Rhum Agricole and a Rhum Industrial
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 Rhum Clément VSOP, Clément Cuvée Homère, and Clément XO Rum. This particular version is allowed to rest in stainless steel tanks and microxygenated for nine months before being bottled.
Appearance: Bright, clear with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Scalloped edge line, long legs and beading develop on swirling.
First Impression: Exceptionally clean, high, fruity and spicy at the same time no off notes of bitter/burnt smell you can get with a molasses product, almost a dry citrus (kaffir lime leaves?) smell to it.
Taste: Highly nuanced and textured, wood notes with fruit, tarragon, licorice root, floral notes, then a dry sweet brine. Dryish finish; medium long. Delightful.
Drinks: Mixes well, and creates exceptional drinks. Rhum Agricole yields a very different flavor than the average molasses-based rum and so brings some unique flavors that enhance almost any drink. Clément’s literature have a number of cocktail recipes well worth trying.
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.
Final Thoughts: This Rum is an excellent example of a white Rhum Agricole and really showcases the difference between a sugarcane juice rum , and a molasses rum. Yes, it is more money than the molasses stuff but well worth it.
Bottle/Packaging: Tall cylindrical frosted with clear window showing a painting of the Plantation’s main building.Tan neck foil and cork closure.
Website: http://www.rhumclement.com
Adequate information if you read French. Could be a bit more detailed for my taste.