Rhum J.M 2013

J.M distills on Martinique's far north in the shadow of Mont Pelee, an estate long prized for its terroir and now part of the GBH group. This is a single cask from the 2013 vintage, a ten year aged agricole from its creole column still, distilled from fresh pressed cane juice, tropically aged and bottled unsweetened at 43.8%.

The single cask selection gives it focus, the nose offering dried apricot, cocoa and tropical fruit over oak, the palate bringing dates, toasted notes and more tropical fruit, the finish staying long on dried fruit and dates. Ex bourbon ageing lends vanilla spice and dark chocolate while the wood sits well integrated, the cane character carrying through. Dry and elegant rather than sweet, it hits a depth that justifies the years without reaching for cask strength, an ideal neat pour for those who like a mature, complex agricole.