Rhum J.M. VSOP Rum Agricole (70cl, 43%)

Rhum J.M. VSOP is an AOC Martinique rhum vieux agricole distilled from estate-grown sugarcane juice and bottled at 43% ABV. It is made at Habitation Bellevue in Macouba, on the northern volcanic slopes of Mount Pelée, using a traditional Creole copper column still and cane harvested later than most producers. The rhum matures for a minimum of four years in oak casks under Martinique's tropical climate. On the nose there are restrained grassy cane notes, warm brioche, clove and dehydrated lemon, with nougat and cinnamon developing as it opens. The palate moves from crème caramel and chestnut to bananas sautéed in browned butter, then spiced butter and lemony toffee. The finish is dry, with hay, Lady Grey tea, oak and vanilla.