Rhum J.M 1992

Rhum J.M sits at the far-north foot of Mont Pelee (distilling since 1845), prized for the volcanic terroir of its cane, and this 1992 is a fifteen year old vintage, distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice and matured at origin under the unsweetened Martinique tradition.

Fifteen years in the Caribbean heat means a high angel's share and deep extraction, so this drinks well beyond its age. Ex-bourbon oak frames a nose of ripe banana, wood, vanilla and leather, then a rich, savoury palate of tobacco, chocolate, tropical fruit and coffee, closing on chocolate, dried fruit and warm oak. The cane-juice backbone keeps it dry and aromatic rather than sweet, an unusually fruity agricole for its years and a sought-after old J.M vintage that has grown scarce.