La Maison Du Whisky Distillerie d’Indochine Rum Flag Series (Collection Foundations) 2018

This Distillerie d'Indochine bottling is a Vietnamese rum made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice, agricole in style though it cannot use the protected term, released by La Maison du Whisky in its Flag Series Foundations collection. Distilled in 2018 and aged six years, this single cask at 56.6% is part of a wave of distinctive cane juice rums emerging well beyond the traditional French islands.

Matured at cask strength in ex cognac wood, it keeps a grassy, fresh cane core while the brandy casks add depth and roundness: citrus and tropical fruit, nuts, honey, chocolate and a dry, spicy oak finish. The peppery edge typical of young agricole is softer here, replaced by a more woody, gently sweet character that the cognac influence brings out. Unsweetened and well balanced despite its strength, it is a rewarding bottle for drinkers who enjoy dry agricole and cognac finished spirits and like to explore new origins.