Clément Canne Bleue

Wow! This is the first rhum agricole I've tried, but based on what I taste here, it definitely won't be the last. The aroma is grassy, as is often described, but not overly so, and has an interesting sugary quality. There's also a general fruitiness, though I couldn't pinpoint specific fruits. The taste is clean and fresh, also with a sugary character, but not exactly sweet; it just 'feels' like sugar. More fruit elements combine with the sugar, creating an effect akin to lemon or lime frosting. This makes it sound intensely sweet, but it's not at all, which is remarkable; it has the sensation of sugar without being genuinely sweet. The finish is like a wave that gradually builds and washes over you, intensifying over time, with some peppery notes along the way and a fairly strong burn at the end. Excellent stuff and worth the $30.

Clear appearance. The nose is rich with confectioners' sugar, dried coconut, cane juice, tall grass, the liquid from canned pineapple, lime zest, and orange juice. It's a very tropical aroma, though the powdered sugar notes are dominant, even when mixed. On the palate, it mirrors the powdered sugar, but any sweetness is tempered by a somewhat bitter banana peel and grassy flavor. Nougat, peach, and pink peppercorn are also present. The alcohol is unnoticeable, but the finish is brief, mostly echoing powdered sugar, nougat, and pink peppercorn. I'm unsure of its best use. It's certainly a decent spirit, but I wouldn't seek it out for sipping or mixing. It's not flawed, though. Are there cocktails that are finished with powdered sugar?

Absolutely incredible. Even by Clement/100 proof standards, this rhum agricole is potent. The aromas are remarkable, leaping from the glass with grassy, floral, and herbal scents. The flavor profile mirrors the aroma, with a fresh hint of mint, some lime zest, and perhaps cinnamon. There are also tropical elements at play, though they are harder to identify. Lychee? Rambutan? Cherimoya? Regardless, there's definitely lime, specifically lime leaf. Despite its intensity, this is wonderful neat... and makes a superb Ti' Punch!

It smells of grass, squash, and grape with a hint of pepper. It's a little harsh with a kick that doesn't taste overwhelmingly vegetal. There's some squash and plenty of grass, along with a hot tamales cinnamon flavor and some black pepper. It's smoky, which helps to balance it. The alcohol is a bit strong. Aside from the vegetal notes and alcohol, it's pretty good. The cinnamon finish is pleasant, as are the hints of licorice and orange with some mild caramel.

The most interesting and enjoyable rum encountered so far. It has a bright mineral tang that balances the grassy and tropical sugarcane notes. Sip after sip, it remains impressively intriguing. For a spirit without any wood aging, it is remarkably complex. Outstanding achievement. I would pour this over myself, it's that good.

The most captivating and satisfying rum I've encountered so far. A bright mineral tang balances the grassy and tropical sugarcane notes. Sip after sip, it remains impressively engaging. For a spirit without any wood aging, its complexity is remarkable. Well done.