Isautier Antoinette – Rhum Vieux 14 Ans D‘Age 2004

Isautier is a long established Reunion distillery, and this Antoinette is a vieux cane juice rhum from the 2004 vintage carrying around fourteen years of age. Distilled from fresh sugar cane juice on a column still, it follows the agricole tradition in its base, though Reunion sits outside the Martinique AOC, and long tropical ageing has pushed it into deep, spice driven territory.

Fourteen tropical years in oak give an intense, woody profile, with pronounced French oak spice, dark chocolate, roasted coffee and red fruits, and a finish that runs oaky, bitter and cool with a menthol edge. At 55% it is powerful and concentrated, the wood clearly leading, yet a fresh, fruity lift keeps it from feeling tired and adds welcome layers. This is a dry, characterful rhum for drinkers who enjoy a wood forward, spice heavy profile, with enough depth and freshness to reward slow sipping. It suits the same palate that appreciates dry, oaky Foursquare style rum and complex spice, offered here through a Reunion cane juice lens at full strength.