Clément VSOP

With a recent career change and upcoming relocation, I decided a fresh start was in order, prompting an investment in some highly-rated rums to broaden my aged spirits collection. I'd heard positive remarks about the distinctiveness of rhum agricole, so I took the plunge. Considering that most premium rums are less expensive than some entry-level single malts, this one offers good value. The aroma is fruity and slightly roasted, featuring abundant banana, pineapple, and a hint of lime zest alongside woody undertones. However, the palate truly showcases the unique character of rhum agricole. While it begins with ripe caramelized banana and grilled pineapple, the mid-palate becomes drier with woody notes, leading to a wonderfully peppery and vegetal finish that strongly evokes watercress. The lingering finish evolves, with the vegetal notes receding and giving way to toasted wood and coffee beans. A truly excellent, intricate spirit worthy of appreciation even from the most discerning whiskey enthusiasts!

The aroma offers orange blossom, spiced pear, and predominantly cereal notes. It strongly resembles an orange-forward grain whisky (Irish or blended Scotch), perhaps Jameson Crested or Compass Box Hedonism are the first that come to mind. Very inviting. The rhum maintains its sharp, tangy, and vegetal agricole character, but the barrel influence significantly alters it into more complex (and familiar) aromas and flavors. Furthermore, those sharp edges soften considerably after sitting for a bit (20-30 minutes). It's gently sweet, followed by an orange peel sensation in the mouth. Creamy texture. Still intensely vegetal: fresh chili, grappa-like grape must, kaffir lime, and numerous metallic notes. A slight connection to molasses-based rum is apparent, almost as if experiencing the rum solely through the sweet notes of diet cola. There's nothing comparable to contrast it with, but it is quite interesting and certainly not harsh in any way. I look forward to exploring this further and imagine it's a high-quality example of its style.

An exceptional rum for sipping. Keep in mind, this is a rhum agricole, derived from cane juice. The vast majority of other rums are produced from molasses, a byproduct (or waste, some might say) of sugar refining. This spirit presents much like a fine whiskey or bourbon with a touch of the characteristic rum flavor. You could likely persuade many individuals they were drinking a whiskey that had been finished in a rum cask. I prefer it neat, appreciating the vanilla, wood, spice, and faint rumminess. It can be mixed with Coke, but it won't resemble the typical rum and Coke experience, and its distinctiveness will be lost. I consider this sugarcane whiskey due to its significant difference from molasses-based rums.

Nose of Banana, caramel, hints of pear (and other fruit), and the sweetness of fried banana. The taste isn't exceptionally smooth, and you detect char from barrel aging; however, it's reasonably smooth. Beyond the char, you get significant oak and a typical level of rum sweetness (aged in both virgin oak and bourbon barrels), a mild "skunkiness" in the lingering taste that isn't overwhelming, and a subtle banana flavor, though oak is the dominant taste and there are clear vegetal notes. It's good, but not great.

Sweet, Woody & Fruity. This spirit is initially very sweet, followed by a woodiness. Beneath it all lies a concord grape fruitiness. It concludes with a subtle eucalyptus-like freshness. This doesn't resemble anything I've tasted before; it has the strangest combination of flavors, not even associated with rum or anything else, but I enjoy it.

Nose: Pineapple, papaya, toasted caramel, a very sweet floral character, and, for lack of a better descriptor, fresh cardboard. Palate: Underripe banana, pressed sugarcane, more of that cardboard, and a significant amount of smoky chilis in dark chocolate. Not as sweet as anticipated. Quite unlike other rums globally, except for rhum barbancourt.