Distillerie d’Indochine Sampan Blanc Overproof

Sampan is the rum of the Distillerie d'Indochine in Vietnam, an agricole style white made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses. Bottled unaged at an overproof 54%, it sits outside any AOC, so the cane juice lineage stands on its own terms, and it is one of the bottles showcasing Vietnam's fast rising rum scene.

Distilled to keep the vegetal cane congeners in the spirit, it is intensely fragrant, with fresh sugarcane, citrus, floral and tropical fruit notes, including a lychee like lift, over a peppery, slightly vegetal base. The palate is peppery and herbal with cane, and the finish runs vegetal, citrusy and floral. The strength gives it plenty of presence while staying mixable. Drinkers often compare it to Caribbean agricoles despite its origin. It is characterful enough to sip neat or over ice, but it really earns its place in a Ti Punch or Daiquiri, a vivid, mixable white from an unexpected source.