Barbancourt 3 Stars

Barbancourt is Haiti's best-known distillery, and 3 Stars is its widely available entry expression. Unusually, it is distilled from cane syrup, or sugar-cane honey, rather than pure cane juice or molasses, and run off a column still, giving it a lighter, gentler character than the island's wild clairins.

The profile is soft and understated: light vanilla, caramel and almond, a touch of spice and a citrus lift, with gentle sweetness and a peppery edge on the finish. At 43% it is mild and approachable, an easy, budget-friendly rum that leans toward smooth drinkability over bold Haitian character. It works well as a casual sipper or a mixer, a friendly introduction to the country's rum rather than a showcase of its more characterful side.