Velier Chelo Clairin Ansyen Sajous 19 mois #CARSA5 2016

Velier is the most prestigious name in collectible rum, and its Haitian clairin project bottles village cane juice spirit at full proof from named producers. This Chelo Clairin Ansyen carries the Sajous mark and spent nineteen months in an ex-bourbon single cask before bottling at a natural 54.6%. Clairin is agricole in spirit, made from fresh cane juice with wild, spontaneous fermentation and heirloom cane, but Haiti cannot use the protected word, so it stands on its own as turbo charged island rhum.

The wild ferment shows in a deep ester and fruit character, with the barrel adding vanilla and a woody frame over a tropical, almost lychee sweetness. The finish is long and delicate, trailing ester, tropical fruit and lychee, with hints of licorice and anise lurking underneath. Unsweetened and cask strength, it is intense but composed, a serious, terroir driven Haitian rhum that rewards slow sipping and a little water from drinkers chasing funk done with finesse.