News

Rum Journal: This Martinique Rhum Is Finished in Sauternes Barrels

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - February 17, 2018

Where does a rum begin?

Is it in the yeast? Is it in the still? In the case of a rhum agricole, is it in the cane itself?

But it’s just as important — if not more important — where a rum ends.

In recent years, a number of rum producers have been exploring the universe of barrel aging — particularly, using barrels that previously housed other wines and spirits.

At the forefront of this movement has been Rhum HSE, the Martinique-based rum producer that’s among the most innovative spirits companies, well, anywhere.

Where the magic happens at HSE.

For several years now, HSE has been experimenting with a range of “special finish” expressions, finishing their rhums in everything from sherry casks to Islay whisky casks.

What they’ve shown again and again is just how much the barrel matters — from the charring to the type of oak to, of course, the duration of aging.

But that’s just the beginning — the team at HSE has taken the art to new levels — from ultra-specific charring profiles for the barrels to even looking at barrels made exclusively with oak from particular forests. 

One of HSE’s more unique expressions is particularly lovely, though.

This is the HSE Chateau La Tour Blanche Finish.

After eight years of aging in American oak barrels, it spent an additional year maturing in barrels that formerly housed Chateau La Tour Blanche, the famous Bommes-based dessert wine.

So what is it like?

The color is a classic golden amber, with a mild aroma of oak, caramel, brown sugar and a hint of dried apricot.

The flavor profile is marked by dried apricot, a hint of orange zest, black pepper, white wine, cane sugar, tropical fruit, even a hint of Moscato.

This is a classically velvety rhum from HSE, with a slightly bold but well balanced finish.

The sweetness of the Sauternes is in there, to be sure.

But it doesn’t overwhelm like so many other special finish rums.

It’s subtle, dancing around the flavors, never taking over. But it adds so much.

It’s the most important ending for a rum — in your glass.

Rum Journal Rating: 95 Points

— CJ

Popular Posts w punta cana

A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]


Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

beach house silversands

From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]


5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

galley bay

Sometimes you just want that extra degree of serenity, of privacy, of seclusion. There is a reason, after all, that adults-only resorts are booming in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean: travelers want to know that when they arrive, they know […]


Related Posts nobu los cabos

Frontier Is Adding a New Nonstop Flight to Los Cabos 

It’s one of the most popular hotel destinations in Mexico: Los Cabos, which has seen a broad boom in recent years with the entry to market of brands like Nobu, Thompson, Marriott and Waldorf Astoria, among others.  That has led, […]


This Former Caribbean Rockefeller Resort Is for Sale

caribbean rockefeller resort

In 1986, Laurance Rockefeller, the founder of Rock Resorts, developed 27 acres of prime beachfront land into what was for decades one of the sought after places to stay in the Caribbean. Now, the four-star, 150-room resort is for sale, […]


Vote for the 2024 Caribbean Green Awards, from Green Energy to Sustainable Hotels

caribbean green

Hotels serving organic food grown by local farmers. Airports powered by large solar fields. Pristine coastlines protected by marine parks. Real estate developments fueled by clean energy. It’s an exciting time for the Green movement in the Caribbean, a region […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You