Rhum Barbancourt 5 Star 8 Year Old Rum (700ml)

The original definition of 'Rhum Agricole' was of a rum fermented and distilled from pure sugar cane juice. That changed in 1996 when an AOC (Appellation of Origin Control) was given to the French island of Martinique, a system used to maintain the quality of products such as this through specific guidelines regarding terroir and production. It was the catalyst for quarrelsome debate between rum lovers around the world, as the AOC declares that fermented and distilled sugar cane produced outside this appellation may not adopt the ‘Argicole’ classification. Debate also questions the effect of terroir on rum in general, which in comparison to products like wine, seems inconsequential. Seemingly more influential factors should be taken into account; such as design of the still being used or the point at which the spirit comes off the still.

There stands but one that challenges the merit of the AOC system - also the fundamental reason why the debate is ongoing. This is the Rhum Barbancourt of Haiti.

Established by Dupre Barbancourt in 1862, this rum is produced from pure sugar cane juice and double distilled in a manner similar to that of Cognac. Primary distillation comes off at roughly 70% by volume and secondary 90% by volume. The spirit is then cut to 50% before it is matured in 100% French Limousine oak for varying periods depending on the bottling in question - eight years in this case.

Tasting note: Pale gold colour. Moderate aromatics include soft, seductive scents of brown sugar and creme caramel with a refreshing spearmint lift making for an enticing sniff. Exceptionally pure, silky and very gently warming spirit carries an off dry, medium bodied profile including brown sugar, roast cashews and vanillan oak. Creamy mouthfeel. Long, gently spicy aftertaste with a subtle dried banana and peppermint fade. 43% Alc./Vol.

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