Providence haitian rum Blanc, First Drops

I opened it, and it embraced and surprised me, even though I'm not a fan of white spirits, especially those lacking refinement. The nose is rich with ripe fruit, an explosion of tropical scents, like the skin of a Creole person after a run on a sugary shore. The first taste is deceptive, covering the tongue with pear, ripe bananas, pineapple, and coconut. Then, the high proof hits, a potent wave of pure aromatic spirit, with a hint of bitterness like wild honey. What's remarkable is how it seduces with fruitiness before revealing an intense alcoholic power. It's not a harsh impact, but a smooth, consistent burst of strong sensations. I've never had a rum with this much refined strength. Within moments, the palate absorbs the alcohol, thankfully without the grassy ethanol notes I dislike in Agricoles. The mouth is coated with a deeply aromatic caramel, likely from the Crystalline cane and specific yeasts, giving it a sweet, fragrant, non-medicinal quality. A second sip reveals lingering notes of almond milk, pepper, and more banana. If I had to be fancy, I'd say there were even fleeting hints of chocolate. A truly excellent rum. If they decide to age it, it could become a masterpiece. Drink it soon. Imagine the skin of a young Haitian... Double distillation in a copper still, a blend of syrup and juice from specific sugarcane, with selected and wild yeasts. A fantastic creation from Velier.

This was astonishing and completely altered my perception of white rum. Up until now, I haven't really enjoyed many (I admit I've only tried a few white rums). The two Clairins I sampled did not impress me (they were not bad, just not to my preference). After tasting this, I question if it's due to the lower proof of the white rums I've sampled, or if this is simply outstanding. It's incredibly rich and full of flavor, with a complex aroma of funk, fruit, and flowers beneath an immediate, intense wave of caramel-like sweetness. It's difficult to distinguish individual notes as there are so many intertwined.

WOW - What a powerhouse! Not what I anticipated from a rum, very pleased I had the opportunity to taste it! Nose - Banana, Almond, Pear, Pineapple in the background, subtle hints of Elderflower, Strawberry, and much more I can't identify 😅 The ethanol scent isn't overpowering but acts as another aroma to explore without masking the others. Palate - BAM, 57% is noticeable but the longer it stays on your tongue, the more satisfying the alcohol becomes and it starts to feel like pure minerals. The aromas persist. Finish - Suddenly my mouth tasted like coffee, what a wonderful surprise to conclude this complex, strong yet elegant Rum!