A simply stupendous vintage rum from Rhum JM. One of our favourite rum distilleries of all time, Rhum JM has the wonderful distinction of being the only distillery in the world (to our knowledge) that is on an active volcano. Mount Pelée provides the distillery with the perfect fertile soil which, when paired with the advantageous Martinique climate, creates the ideal conditions for growing sugar cane. Rhum JM make Agricole rum, a style that Martinique is famous for, that uses fermented sugar cane juice as its base, as opposed to the industry standard molasses or Demerara.
This is a fantastic vintage rum, bottled in 2016, having been matured for 15 years in oak casks – exceptionally long for a Rhum Agricole in the tropical climes of the Island. This has produced a rum of exceptional complexity. On the nose, warming tropical aromas waft over the drinker – notes of mango, lime rind, pineapple and vanilla. Oak grows into the nose with time, with drier scents appearing: dried apricots, figs and woodspice. The palate opens with a chewy, thick toffee-led mouthfeel, with flavours of dried fruit, mango, dark oak and vanilla taking hold. A little grassy, fragrant cane juice features, brightening the palate. The finish is long and lingering, with woodspice, dried mango and overripe bananas at the fore. Bottled slightly over-proof at 41.9% ABV, this gives the flavours an extra edge. One of the best Rhum Agricoles we have had the privilege of tasting, and one that all rum fans should try! Allocations of these vintages editions are very small, so drinkers should move fast if they want to try this mighty spirit.