Rum, France / Reunion
Founded in 1845, Isautier is the oldest working distillery on Réunion Island. In 1966, it was rebuilt near Saint-Pierre, a few kilometers from its original site, where the chimney (preserved as a heritage site) remains. The distillery was completely renovated between 1997 and 2000, including the replacement of the fermentation vats and distillation column and the installation of a second still. Named La Cour after the nickname of the old distillery, this pure cane juice rum was aged for 13 years in an old Cognac cask. Reduced to 59%, it reveals notes of orange that form a delicious red thread and link together each stage of the tasting.
Single Cask limited to 389 bottles.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Copper orange.
Nose: Fine, lively. On the nose, a layer of salted butter toffee mingled with the scent of marmalade takes center stage. On aeration, the aromatic palette becomes chocolaty, spicy (clove) and floral (hyacinth, carnation), while becoming ever more delicious (toffee).
Palate: Clean, sharp. Initially exotic (passion fruit), mineral (slate) and vanilla, the range of flavors is then enlivened by the presence of citrus zest (orange, grapefruit). Then, flavors of peach skin add a delicate touch to the palate.
Overall: Long and full-bodied. Tertiary (dried leaves, mushrooms), the start of the finish is also finely liquorice and saline. Then, the marmalade detected on the nose spreads around the palate. Long afterwards, the empty glass is marked by notes of resin and lavender honey.