Rhum J.M 2007

Rhum J.M distils at the northern tip of Martinique, in the volcanic shadow of Mont Pelee, from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice grown on the estate. This 2007 vintage carries fifteen years of age, and as a Martinique agricole it qualifies among the most tightly regulated rums in the world, where added sugar is banned outright.

Tropical ageing in ex-bourbon oak has taken the grassy cane base toward something confectionery and ripe, with pear, roasted notes and citrus on the nose, then yellow fruit, cream toffee and oak across the palate. The finish turns woody and a touch bitter, with a creme brulee sweetness that is all barrel rather than additive. At 43.5% and unsweetened, it reads as a gentle, fruit-forward J.M, a vintage agricole for sipping where the house's polished, slightly indulgent style comes through clearly.