Vieux Sajous 4 Year Old Cask Strength Clairin Rum (700ml)

Being the first rum totally aged in Haiti for over four years, this has caught the attention of more than a few rum chasers, quickly selling out in several markets overseas. Produced at the Chelo distillery (St Michel de l’Attalaye), owned by Michel Sajous, and then bottled by Velier at cask strength, this Clairin-style is a blend of twelve casks (some previously contained Benriach single malt; others held Caroni rum). It offers a fabulous intermingling of Clairin vs. aged agricole aromas, opening with heady grassy / caney notes alternating between fennel, cumin, maraschino, dried banana and light molasses. It's surprisingly soft at 50.6% ABV and while some of the vivaciousness of unaged Clairin is lost, what's most impressive is the sheer persistence: flavours of plantain, grilled pineapple and thyme are followed by lingering, caney sweetness that stays with you over several minutes. It will be fascinating to see how these remarkable spirits develop at five years and beyond. A dedicated rum importer snuck a small allocation into Australia. As a first release it should also be on collector's radars. Very limited stocks.