Trois Rivières launches its XO and its new Triple Millésime and Maison La Mauny its arrangé Vanille Mangue.
Italian group Campari, which specializes in high-end spirits brands, boasts a fine portfolio of rums, including the iconic Appleton in Jamaica and the two jewels of southern Martinique, Trois Rivières and Maison La Mauny. Campari has also enlisted the services of two of the world’s finest cellar masters, Joy Spence and Daniel Baudin. The latter is now showing us the full extent of his talent, with three new nuggets.
Daniel Baudin’s expertise
The Trois Rivières range now includes an XO, which according to AOC Martinique rules must be aged for at least 6 years in oak casks, i.e. 100% French oak, initially 30% new casks, with the remainder in ex-Cognac red casks. This new reference completes the range and is positioned between the VSOP (4 years) and the 12 years.
Tasting notes provided by the producer:
Nose: A subtle, harmonious blend of macerated fruit, licorice and spices. After aeration, notes of quince paste, curry and even the fragrance of a Havana cigar are elegantly revealed.
Palate: Perfectly structured, with a woody presence that enhances every sip. The aromas evolve on the palate, giving way to spices and even hints of sweet peppers, a subtle balance between power and spicy richness.
Finish: Long, persistent and marked by licorice notes enhanced by mineral accents.
Now comes version number 6 of Trois Rivières’ famous Triple Millésime. Whereas in the previous edition Daniel Baudin selected the 2005, 2010 and 2015 vintages, the sixth is a blend of three new exceptional grands crus: the 2006, 2014 and 2016 vintages.
The 2016 vintage, from ex-Bourbon casks, brings freshness, mingled with the rare aromatic complexity of the 2014 vintage, an equal blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Cognac casks. All this combined with the just-right roundness and amiable depth of the award-winning 2006 vintage, aged in French casks, of which around 30% are new and ex-Cognac.
Tasting notes provided by the producer:
Nose: Unctuous and fine, the nose initially reveals aromas of tarte tatin and honey. This is followed by hints of William pear alcohol and Timut pepper.
Palate: Round and well-structured, the palate is dominated by notes of spice, gray pepper, ginger and even sweet peppers.
The palate remains surprisingly fresh, while at the same time providing an example of richness and complexity.
Finish: A long, fresh finish with subtle accents of oriental spices.
These two cuvées represent Daniel Baudin’s unique expertise. They reflect the character of rhum agricole, tempered by the ageing process, with flavours typical of old Martinique rums. The Triple Millésime is a little more spirited and the XO deeper. All this is achieved at very reasonable degrees, demonstrating that there’s no need to release rums at over 50% to achieve great complexity.
Maison la Mauny’s Vanille Mangue arrangé (the vanilla appears first, before the mango brings all its deliciousness), completes the range of spirits: Pineapple, Honey, Banana, Schrubb Orange, Cocoa Beans…
Trois Rivières – XO : 70 cl – 43 % – €75
Trois Rivières – Triple Millésime V6 : 70 cl – 42 % – €69,90
Maison La Mauny – Arrangé Vanille Mangue : 70 cl – 30 % – €18, 90