Review by: The Auditor
Review #1149; Rum #464
This is a rum that was distilled by the Saint James distillery located in Sainte-Marie Martinique. This is a limited release of 3500 bottles by the distillery. The fresh pressed cane juice was distilled on a creole column still. This rhum agricole was then put into American Oak barrels on November 24th 2001 where it aged on Martinique until April 13th 2021. It was bottled at cask strength with no additives.
Distillery: Saint James
Bottler: Saint James
Region: Martinique
Cask: 20 years in American Oak (Ex-Bourbon) at origin
ABV: 55.2%
Nose: Pungent and powerful nose, Nuttiness, book leather, wood varnish, Black Tea, Touch of floral, espresso, dried orange peel, star anise, raspberry
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Nuttiness, Book Leather, Wood Varnish, Dark chocolate, black tea, espresso, floral, dried orange peel, star anise, raspberry
Finish: Long finish. Powerful. Nuttiness, book leather, Dark chocolate, black tea, espresso, slight vanilla cream, star anise, raspberry
Conclusion: A powerful and wonderful example of well aged agricole. I will say upfront you need to be a fan of oak cause it brings the oak here. But not in an overpowering way for me. The oak is the backbone here but very well integrated. The heavy savory notes are the star with the nuttiness and dark chocolate being the standouts. A bit of dried fruit and spices help keep the balance and the finish sticks with you forever
Final Score: 96
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 