Clément Très Vieux Millésime 2002

Clement is a historic Martinique estate, and this Tres Vieux Millesime 2002 is one of its long-aged statements, a fifteen-year vieux distilled on a column still from fresh sugar-cane juice, matured in ex-bourbon oak and bottled unsweetened at a gentle 42%.

Fifteen tropical years bring depth without heaviness. The nose layers oak, spice and a soft banana note; the palate is woody and fruity with pecan and warm spice; the finish turns honeyed and peppery, lingering and intense. Tasters describe it as soft, elegant and well balanced, the wood, spice and fruit arriving in waves, with several placing it among the finest agricoles they have tasted. A few find it lighter in the mouth than the aroma promises, but the overall impression is of a refined, mature Martinique vieux, a contemplative neat pour for drinkers who appreciate well-aged cane-juice rum.