Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (Ex-Caroni Casks) 2017

This Chelo release takes the Sajous clairin, made from Haitian sugarcane with wild fermentation on a small pot still, and rests it in casks that previously held Caroni rum, a Velier bottling that is cask strength and additive-free. Distilled in 2017 and aged five years, it sets the raw Haitian spirit against the influence of the legendary Trinidad distillery's barrels.

In practice the casks soften the clairin more than they reshape it, so this stays unmistakably Haitian, olive brine, overripe tropical fruit, fermented funk and fresh herbs over only light wood. The palate is fruity and vegetal with olive and licorice, carried on a creamy texture, finishing herbal and grassy with sugarcane sap. At a well-behaved 52.14% it is intense without being aggressive, a complex, vegetal-fruity sipper for drinkers who enjoy high-ester agricole-style rum and want it gently rounded, though not one to chase if you are after bold Caroni tar.