Velier Chelo Clairin Ansyen Sajous 19 mois #CARSA1 2016

Velier Chelo Clairin Ansyen Sajous is a Haitian clairin from the Sajous source, bottled by Velier, whose clairin range did much to bring Haiti's village cane juice rums to wider attention. Distilled on a pot still from fresh sugarcane juice via spontaneous fermentation, it was aged 19 months in ex-Caroni wood and bottled unsweetened at 54.7%.

This is clairin with the funk turned up. Sour cherry, glue and fresh grass lead the nose, the palate runs through apple, schnapps like fruit and a vinegary tang, and the finish carries burnt sugar, toast and a rubbery note picked up from the Caroni cask. The short maturation sits in between raw and fully aged rather than smoothing it out. A divisive, characterful clairin for drinkers who chase high ester Haitian intensity and savoury, fermented edges over polish.