With all the bottles the rum world has to offer, it’s hard to choose a real top ten. Taste varies from person to person and therefore this list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of rums that have been tested and approved by Rumporter in each category.
[/mpc_textblock]ABUELO 12 ANS – 40%
An outstanding and strong nose, jammy (apricot, banana), honey, elegant oak. The palette is overcome with aromas of fresh baked goods leaning towards nuts, fresh almonds, milk chocolate, dried coconut and candied ginger. The finish lingers on the vanilla notes. A well rounded and seductive rum.
BIELLE AMBRÉ / AGRICOLE – 50%
Cask aged and bottled like a white at 50%, this amber rhum keeps all the freshness of sugarcane, the authenticity of its terroir and the process of the distillery with a contribution from the cask and aging period. All this leads to a remarkable aromatic profile consisting of candied ginger, pomegranate, white peach and a touch of salinity. A must try!
BOLOGNE, BLACK CANE – 50%
Nose: At first taste we immediately discover an aromatic richness. The bouquet opens with sugarcane juice, citrusy honey and exotic fruits (predominantly mango and passion fruit). A light salinity is present at the end, reminiscent of its island origins.
BOTRAN RESERVA – 40%
A fine and fruity nose, with notes of dried mango, banana and fig with hints of vanilla and toffee. A gentle mouthfeel with accents of old Porto. Lightly oxygenized, with cacao and hints of maple syrup along with coffee and liquorice. A woody finish, tannic, spicy, with notes of honeydew. If you’re not scared of oxidization, this is a great buy!
CLÉMENT VSOP – 40%
Overwhelming notes of grilled dried fruit accompanied by a lovely vanilla, Clément rhum offers notes of caramelized apple with accents of mocha and cinnamon. In the mouth we taste more banana, along with walnuts and a generous finish pairing vegetal and spicy notes. A great bang for your buck!
DEPAZ VIEUX – 45%
A must-try, this aged rhum with its “mountain taste” has a unique and remarkable flavor profile; red currant, almond, cacao, macadamia nut, vanilla and service tree fruit (a species of the Sorbus family)… a must have for any self-respecting rhum lover!
J.M ÉLEVÉ SOUS BOIS – 50%
Aged 1 year, this rhum has an exuberant character, with a vegetal freshness and aroma of ginger, ginseng, green pepper supported by light woody/vanilla notes.
READ MORE: JM RHUMS, THE QUINTESSENCE
MALECON 18 ANS – 40%
A spectacular nose, both rich and continuously evolving: tobacco, tropical fruits, plum, peach, cacao and notes of exotic woods when decanted. In the mouth this rum is unfortunately less expressive, by retains hints of caramel, butter, toasted bread, clove, grey pepper and walnuts. A nice combination all the same.
PLANTATION, PINEAPPLE ORIGINAL DARK RUM – 40%
Nose: This topaz rum with amber glints offers up an intensely fruity nose, with hints of Victoria pineapple peel at their ripest. Notes of orchard fruits (peach, orange, plum) unfold until marzipan arrives along with vanilla and geranium.
SAINT JAMES CUVÉE 1765 – 42%
In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the plantation, this vintage reveals a particularly indulgent batch from the Saint James brand. A nose marked by prune, candied fruits, elegant wood undertones and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) becomes smoother with a touch of honey, coconut and refreshing vegetal, floral (geranium) and lemon notes. In the mouth we taste milk chocolate and almond with a delicate and gourmet marine influence. A pleasant surprise thanks to its suppleness and finesse!
READ MORE:INTERVIEW WITH MARC SASSIER OF SAINT-JAMES
OTHER “MUST HAVES” TO ADD TO YOUR LIST:
AGRICOLES :
– Clément VSOP
– Saint James Cuvée 1765
– Trois Rivières VSOP
– La Mauny Signature du Maître de Chai
– Damoiseau VSOP
– Dillon 7 ans
– Bielle Ambré
– Longueteau Sélection Parcellaire
– HSE Black Sheriff
– Depaz VO
SYRUP & MOLASSES:
– Smith & Cross
– Doorly’s XO
– Botran 15
– Plantation Gran Añejo
– Appleton 12 ans
– New Grove 5 ans
– Abuelo 7 ans
– Mezan Jamaica XO
– English Harbour 5 ans
– Rum Nation Jamaica White
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