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Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole
Distiller Score 92
On the nose, Clément VSOP Rhum Agricole almost resembles a scotch whisky, with the charred oak aromas rising out of the glass mixed with vanilla, spices and floral notes. On the palate, the spirit develops an elegant herbal quality, with sage, thyme and rosemary mixing with brown sugar, roasted coffee and fruit flavors of red grapes, mango and banana. The finish is long, lingering and smooth, allowing all the components to meld together.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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La Favorite Rhum Agricole Blanc Coeur de Canne
Distiller Score 92
A beautiful, albeit esoteric spirit. The interplay of grass, rubber, roasted peach, apple and green banana aromas might not be for everyone, but for those who get it, it is absolutely enchanting. The palate is no less a rollercoaster with more industrial tones, raspberries, orange and iodine. It contains its 50% abv well for an unaged spirit and culminates in a clean, focused and sublime spirit.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year
Distiller Score 90
It leads with aromas of straw, cane syrup, tea, honey, caramel, dried peaches, almond and oak that are elegant and inviting. The palate reveals tannins, toffee, nuts and cinnamon in an oily, smooth mouthfeel that lingers to reveal stewed fruits. The finish is soft, mellow and displays of all of these flavors in a slow fade.
Reviewed by Forrest Cokely
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Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole
Distiller Score 86
The aroma displays an array of floral and spice notes with subtle mineral hints. On the palate the grass notes of the cane initially dominate and transition with light notes of oak, bursts of cinnamon, and cooked banana that closes with a pleasant honey finish.
Reviewed by Paul Senft
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Rhum J.M VO
Distiller Score 88
The rhum is like a good soul bass line - tart, hot, funky and even a little sweaty. Fresh lemon acidity mixes with fresh apricot and passion fruit, with medium-roast coffee, caramel and butterscotch. Spices are a mixture of allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg, going more savory with rosemary, sage and chive. Though it has a light mouth feel, the flavors linger, making it ideal as both a neat sipper and cocktail base.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Arcane Delicatissime Grand Gold Rum
Distiller Score 88
This highly aromatic rhum gives off a soft, floral scent of lilac and jasmine. Deeper on the palate, the aromas give way to tropical mango, papaya, orange, and lime. Vanilla, roasted coffee, Demerara sugar and herbal notes of sage and rosemary spread out around the aromatics, finishing rounded and sweet.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Rhum J.M Jardin Fruité
Distiller Score 89
A scent of wildflowers wafts over additional aromas of dried fruits (figs, dates, apricot), spearmint, and sweet spices. The fruit flavors on the palate or fresher and more tropical, with notes of pineapple, papaya, and mango. A faint essence of rosewater comes through along with fresh spring herbs and savory bay leaf. A tartness comes through in the finish to tie the fruity, spicy, and floral flavors together.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Rhum J.M Épices Créoles
Distiller Score 91
The nose is full of scintillating spice notes—particularly clove, allspice, and powdered ginger, with a bit of sweet nutmeg and other baking spices—and toasted oak. Tart, floral tropical fruit (mango, papyaya) comes in at the palate, mixed with herbal notes of sage and rosemary. Though it's decidedly fruity, the finish veers toward umami/earthy tones, with a balanced dryness, light to medium richness, and spark of spicy heat.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Clément Canne Bleue Rhum Blanc Agricole
Distiller Score 90
Sweet smells of freshly-cut cane and mowed grass at first yields to hints of citrus flowers and tropical fruit. On the palate, lots more ripe and overripe tropical fruit - lush and sweet, and slightly peppery. Intense, sapid and barely sweet. Beautifully distilled and at 100 proof, surprisingly easy to drink.
Reviewed by Jack Robertiello
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Clément Single Cask Rhum Agricole
Distiller Score 87
A medicinal (the kind of medicine you want to take) aroma wafts out of the glass mixed with pinecone and cedar. On the palate, the telltale Clément fruity grape notes mix with sage, basil and oregano. Vanilla, espresso, bittersweet chocolate and a good rancio funk carry it into the slightly hot finish.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Clément Select Barrel Rhum Agricole
Distiller Score 87
This rhum has a lighter weight than some of the others in the collection, however it delivers bright and intriguing flavors. Tart apricot, peach and banana meld with vanilla and toffee. Herbal notes of spearmint, pine cone and rosemary add subtle accents. The finish goes a bit hot, though the flavors that linger are fresh and nuanced.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Arcane Cane Crush White Rum
Distiller Score 87
This is a fresh and zesty rum that's all about the herbal and citrus peel nuances. Rosemary, sage, basil and a hint of wormwood flow elegantly into orange, grapefruit and lime zest. Raw sugar and tropical fruit sweetness tie these flavors together. While finishing slightly hot, this is an ideal daiquiri-and-shaken-cocktail-rum that will hold its own against other ingredients.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster