Habitation Velier Providence Pure Single Rhum 2020

Clairin is Haiti's village cane juice rum, agricole in spirit though it cannot use the word, made from fresh pressed sugar cane and traditionally fermented with wild yeast. This Providence is part of Habitation Velier's pure single rum line, distilled at the Port-au-Prince distillery on a pot still, aged four years and bottled at 55%, a more rounded and approachable take on the Haitian style.

Four years in ex-bourbon oak tames the raw clairin edge without smothering it, so sugarcane honey, banana and raspberry sit alongside fresh herbal and citrus notes and a light dusting of spice and wood. The nose is a highlight, expressive and clean, and the palate stays balanced and gently mellow rather than ferocious. It works neatly neat or in a characterful cocktail, a good bridge for drinkers who enjoy lighter Haitian profiles and want clairin character in a slightly tamed, full flavoured package.