Saint James 15 Ans

Saint James dates to 1765 and is among the largest agricole houses in Martinique, and this 15 year old sits at the older, more contemplative end of its range. Distilled from fresh cane juice on a creole column and aged under the AOC rules that prohibit added sugar, it shows the effect of long tropical maturation on a cane spirit, where high evaporation gives fifteen years considerable depth.

The grassy agricole heart is still present but darkened and softened, with dried fruit, citrus, chocolate and leather layered over the cane, and a nutty, woody finish. The oak can be fairly dominant here, which is part of the appeal for drinkers who like an old, spice forward agricole, balanced by a fresh cane lift that keeps it from feeling heavy. At 43% and unsweetened it stays dry and easy to sip slowly. This is a rum for those who already enjoy aged agricole and want extra years, darker oak and layered dried fruit without the bottle tipping into sweetness or high proof.