Trois Rivières 1976

Trois Rivieres is a historic Martinique estate whose rum heritage runs back more than a century, now distilled at the La Mauny site. This bottling carries a 1976 vintage, an old release from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice that shows the gentler face of mature agricole.

Distilled on a column still and matured in oak, it has aged into something light-bodied and easy rather than heavy. The nose is fruity and woody with vanilla and caramel, while the palate keeps that fruity, woody shape with caramel and dried fruit. The finish brings wood, spice, vanilla and a toasted note, and an empty glass leaves chocolate and floral traces behind. Subtle and shifting over time in the glass, it can read as a touch thin, but it is a graceful, drinkable old agricole at 45%, one for drinkers who prize delicacy and vintage character over power.