Handsome bottle and label that appears to be similar to a post card from Martinique. Pale gold color, similar to a Knappogue Castle Irish Single Malt, 1992 in particular, with just a shade more color.
The label lists at the bottom right "Amber rum/ALC 45% by vol/90 proof"; label on the back notes "Estate distilled by Depaz Distillery, St. Pierre, Martinique" and "Product of Martinique, F.W.I."
Initial nosing of the just opened bottle cork, and of the rhum in a whisky nosing glass I got at The Whisky Expo in SF many moons ago (it's not a Glencairn glass, but is taller and a bit larger bulb) finds that it is very similar to a joven tequila, an Agave-like note but without any smokiness, some ginger, sugar icing. No harshness from the alcohol, however.
After letting the rhum breathe in the glass for a half hour I tasted it, and did not notice a distinct lessening of the scents initially found. While there is a similarity to a young tequila, there is not the oiliness one associates with one.
Tasting notes (neat): following the nose, grassy, citrusy agave-like flavor, a hint of sugar and menthol, leading to a comfortable burn of pepper, and then a clean astringency, a whisper of salt after a few seconds.
With a splash of distilled water: not much of a change, although it is smoothed out a little more. Pepper explosion diminished, astringency lessened, too, a little hint of wood noted...popsicle stick or tongue depressor, glue.
That's my inexperienced experience, and I'm sticking to it!
If one knows and appreciates good tequila, one will "get" this rhum. Not one for those with a sweet-tooth, but good to have during the summer or warmer months with a Carolina style bbq.
Listed on the Shopper's Vineyard site is Paul Pacult's review, as follows:
''The compellingly complex and multi-layered bouquet includes fragrances of nutmeg, oak, wet grass, rubber pencil eraser, white pepper and carnations. The palate entry has flavors of herbs, caney sweetness and flower garden; the midpalate features elements of smoke, tobacco leaf, black pepper, cinnamon, vanilla bean, nut paste and honey. Stupendous.'' - Paul Pacult
How did I miss all THAT?Now I didn't notice any smoke, and when I compared the nose off the cork of the rhum to a cork from a bottle of El Tesoro de Don Filipe Reposado tequila that I have (and have had for over a decade, it being half full), the difference was VERY apparent as I DID catch the scent of smoke with the tequila, but not the rhum.
So that's my subjective review.
And Cap'n, if you and yours cares for a sample, just let me know, I've got a cleaned and empty 375ml Drambuie bottle waiting to be re-used
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Capn's Log: thanks for your review, much appreciated as this interesting cane juice rum's attraction has not yet reached critical mass for us.
