Le Galion S.B.S French Antilles Grand Arome (Single Origin Rum) Grand Arôme 2021

This Single Origin release from the Danish house 1423, under its S.B.S Single Barrel Selection line, draws on Le Galion in Martinique for a Grand Arome, a high ester, long ferment style made here from sugar cane juice rather than the molasses Grand Arome usually starts from. Unaged and bottled unsweetened at 57%, it is aimed at drinkers ready for funkier cane juice rum, in the transparent, detail focused style for which 1423 is known.

Long fermentation drives the character, throwing off olives, brine and a floral, vegetal lift alongside fruity strawberry notes. The palate is floral and briny with olive and ester, and the finish runs vegetal, salty and dry with iodine. It recalls Haitian clairin in its oily saltiness while staying a touch more composed. It works neat for those who chase funk, and it shines in cocktails where its salinity and esters come forward. For drinkers who enjoy clairins or Savanna style whites and want something slightly tamed but still wild, this hits the spot.