Rum - Rhum J.M. Vieux Millesime 1997
Rhum J.M.
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Rhum J.M. Vieux Millesime 1997
Rhumerie de Fonds-Préville, Macomba, Martinique-French West Indies
Sugar Cane Juice
Proof: 90 (45 %)
Age: 10 Years
Type: Rhum Agricole
Price: $89.00 750 ml
Notes: One of the few rums (NB: French spelling rhums) in the world to claim a terroir as the sugar cane is grown in a unique microclimate in volcanic soil on the slope of Mt Pelee on a sloping field with low cloud ceiling and sea breezes (Most sugarcane is grown on flat land on poor soil) on a single estate making it a unique microclimate and small circumscribed geographic area - much like the great houses of Bordeaux, Cognac or Champagne claim weather, soil and geographic demarcations and resulting effects.
Another noteworthy point is that it is a Rhum Agricole or made directly form sugar cane juice rather than molasses. Less than 5% of the worlds production of rum is made this way and the process yields a dramatically different product. It is one of a series of rums (which differ in age) the others being Rhum Blanc J.M., Rhum J.M. Paille (Gold), and Rhum J.M VSOP. This particular version is aged in American and French Limuosin Oak casks for 10 years before bottling.
Appearance: Bright, clear, copper/gold in color with no hazing, separation or floating sediments. Long legs develop on swirling.
First Impression: Lemon, cinnamon, sage, sandalwood, spice, dark fruit, gingerbread, oaky pepper/char.
Taste: Intense cinnamon, ginger, pepper, grass and wood notes. Dryish, but sweet lingering long with spicy notes.
Drinks: Makes excellent long drinks with a lot of spice and life to the drinks but more subtle than its younger sibling the VSOP.
Cigars: A cigar a little darker than the rum is a good guide. Try a medium or slightly darker wrapper, maybe a Joya de Nicaragua or Credo.
Bottle/Packaging: Heavy green glass bell shaped bottle with bulbous neck (great ergonomics for gripping and pouring) a real cork closure, and parchment like label give it an antique feel.
Final Thoughts: Quite interesting, complex if a bit over the top. More like a rustic Armagnac than a typical aged rum. Has more and different complexities than one would expect from simple cane juice but is rougher than one would expect around the edges. A roguish 10 year-old. VSOP is a better buy given the price differential.
Other : This spirit is part of remarkable portfolio of the Domiane Select Classic and Vintage Artisanal Spirits Collection along with the following spirits we have already reviewed Averna Sambuca Liquirizia , Averna Sambuca , Averna Limoni , Deaths Door Vodka , G Vine Floraison , G'Vine Nouaison , Rhum J.M. Blanc , Rhum J.M. Gold ,Rhum J.M VSOP ,Suprema Grappa along with others we have not yet reviewed but hope to in the future, given the quality of what we have already reviewed. We applaud Domaine Select in spearheading a conscious decision to assemble a portfolio of artisanal spirits and to provide distribution and access to such a group of spirits to the trade and consumers. If only other companies did such a thing, we would all be drinking in a better world.
Website: http://www.rhum-jm.com/
Adequate amount of information but not by much. Could be a bit more detailed for my taste.
