Vieux Sajous 4 Year Old Cask Strength Clairin Rum (700ml) - 2nd Release

This is the second in a series of rums totally aged in Haiti for over four years. Produced at the Chelo distillery (St Michel de l’Attalaye), owned by Michel Sajous and then bottled by Velier at cask strength, like its predecessor, this Clairin-style is a blend of twelve casks (some previously containing single malt; others Caroni rum). Typically made in runs of just over 2000 bottles, the first release was exceptional (95 points). Expect something similarly engaging here. It will be fascinating to see how these remarkable spirits develop at five years and beyond. Once again, kudos must go to the dedicated rum importer who continues to source these truly exotic distillates for Australian rum enthusiasts. Distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2021. 56.3% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... [First release tasted] This ‘vieux’ clairin  is technically well rum and has been matured in a dozen casks such as ex-Benriach or ex-Caroni. So this one too is pretty ‘meta’ or ‘cross’, but I doubt Benriach had much impact on it, unless that was peated Benriach. Let’s see… Colour: straw. Nose: more linseed oil and picture varnish that at any painter’s, really. Goes then towards almonds, both bitter ones and regulars, then the much expected olives and benzine, and finally some softer, vanilla-driven notes, with touches of camphor and menthol. Feels older than 4! With water: we’re off to Jamaica! Plastics, petrol, tar, olives, camphor, goat head soup (not too sure about that one, but cheers to The Stones!…) Mouth (neat): very salty, brine-y, full of liquorice, earth, parsnips, petrol and olive oil, and of course sugarcane. It’s pretty rich, with very good clean power, while retaining some of the clairins’ much appreciated ‘soft dirtiness’. With water: goes on and on like that, with added citrus and star fruit. Finish: a notch less heavy, but still very salty. Notes of graphite oil, fusain… We’re at a painter’s indeed. Plastics are back in the aftertaste – typical! Comments: I would tend to enjoy the best white ones even better, but I just love this very characterful style. Basquiat (and the Rolling Stones) in a bottle. 87 points - whiskyfun.com