Rhum J.M 2011

J.M distills on Martinique's far north under the influence of Mont Pelee, an estate prized for its terroir and now part of the GBH group. This 2011 is a ten year old vintage agricole from its creole column still, distilled from fresh pressed cane juice and tropically aged, bottled unsweetened at a soft 41.8%.

Despite the modest strength it carries real intensity, the nose offering tropical fruit, vanilla and chocolate over toasted oak, the palate balancing red and tropical fruit against nutmeg and wood, the finish turning to dark chocolate, candied fruit and spice. Ex bourbon ageing gives it polish while the grassy cane core stays present, none of the aromas crowding out the others. This is a refined, harmonious sipper for neat drinking, suited to anyone who likes a characterful agricole that never turns aggressive.