Clément Première Canne

Rating: 13/23 Nose: Abundant funk. That familiar squash aroma is prominent. There's also a peculiar hint of tar leading to some bitter herbal notes. A slightly vegetal sweetness emerges, but without a rotten scent. It's more akin to squash blossoms than actual squash. Primarily squash and tar. The nose isn't the most intricate, but it's quite solid. Faint notes of carrots. Palate: Sweet, sugary liquid with a tarry funk and peppery spice. It's not harsh, but I don't detect a specific pepper flavor. Perhaps a slightly savory one. A small amount of light caramel that I'd mistake for having a hint of corn. The squash flavor appears by my second sip, becoming more pronounced and replacing the corn. A bit of papery note in the background and possibly a subtle vanilla hint. The palate feels somewhat thick for 40% ABV, yet it doesn't taste high proof. Despite being generally mellow, it still has a noticeable burn. The flavors aren't particularly distinct. Finish: A lingering peppery burn with more of the vegetal aspect of the squash. Hints of tar. - Conclusion - This is a very decent rhum agricole. It hits most of the expected notes, but nothing stands out as exciting, and it's a bit indistinct. Plantation 3 Stars (11/23) is sweeter and richer, with complexity comparable to this. Plantation tastes less natural, while this has all the squash and similar notes, but I wouldn't say Plantation is inferior. They are quite close, but I would lean towards Plantation between the two. Probitas (11/23) is similarly much richer and bolder than this. However, Probitas is less sweet than Plantation and offers more spice and bitter funk. This, in contrast, is more subtle and balanced. I would choose this one. As a quick comparison, I tried Sierra Norte Red Corn (15/23). My palate might be slightly off, but the difference is significant. This is definitely not on the same level as Sierra Norte. Returning to Plantation, it's clear to me that Plantation is superior to Probitas, but I'm starting to prefer this over Plantation. I now estimate this will score a 12 or 13. This has the potential to be a good rhum agricole, but it's too low in proof and has too much burn. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 (11/23) is too high in proof, and despite being more flavorful, it's harsher and less balanced. This is undoubtedly the better drink. My assessment remains that this is either a high 12 or a low 13. I'm settling on a low 13. Thank you for the sample, a friend.

Aroma: green apple, rotting vegetation, apricot, orange blossom, bile, plant and floral notes, with a gentle ethanol sting. Flavor: tart apple, sharp minerality, lemon zest, damp grass, apricot, mint, with a moderate alcohol bite. The finish is brief, featuring tart apple, bitter citrus, and damp grass notes. Another regrettable rum acquisition. Or perhaps rhum agricole in this instance. In my rush to acquire diverse rums for various cocktail needs, I ended up with this disappointment. The aroma has a plain green apple quality, along with some unusual grass and fruit notes in the bouquet. The palate is quite unexpected compared to the relatively mild aroma. It's highly acidic, sour, vegetal, bitter, and minerally, almost metallic. Some of the fruit from the aroma is present, but it's overshadowed by these other disagreeable flavors. I wonder if this tastes like biting into a mouthful of apple seeds? I suspect it's quite similar. This is not enjoyable. To be fair, it's not intended for sipping. It would probably be better suited as an element in something like a Ti’ Punch, a traditional rhum agricole cocktail I've yet to experience. One learns as one goes, I guess. Something like this will definitely be added to my 'sample before buying' list moving forward.

Served neat. The aroma is sweet, with apple, citrus, floral, vegetal notes, a little funkiness, and earthy softness. The taste is sweet like sugar cane, with green grass and herbs, floral notes, a bit of black pepper, and apple cider. The finish is sweet, yet dry, with some herbs and that intriguing funk. Overall, it's quite smooth, with a very interesting flavor profile that is completely different from other rums. I can understand why some people might love or hate this as a sipper. It's more comparable to certain herbal tequilas than a typical rum. I see why it's popular in tiki drinks as it adds significant complexity.

The initial tasting in a series prepared by a friend. A straightforward introduction to the world of rum. If this rum were a city, it would be Lincoln, Nebraska. Sampled neat.

Smells like squash/gourd, tastes very grassy. It's intriguing, but not as satisfying to drink as other similar spirits I've tried. I'd like to explore more options in this category.

I can't fathom why anyone would willingly purchase this. It resembles sugar mash moonshine that's been overheated and scorched.