Rum Agricole, France/Guadeloupe

Produced from R579 red sugar cane grown on the plots of the Ecluse in north-west Guadeloupe, this Papa Rouyo is aged in open-grain oak casks previously used for cognac. After a wonderfully floral nose, the palate is abundantly rich in diverse fruits. This dichotomy is one of its finest assets and undoubtedly the element that has most influenced its textured personality.

TASTING NOTES

Nose : Rich, concentrated. On the first nose, incredibly intense fragrances of honeysuckle take centre stage. Allowed to breathe, candied ginger and nutmeg notes accentuate the aroma palette’s heady character. Lingering on, aromas of cane sugar and precious wood are revealed (oak stave).

Appearance : Gold backed.

Palate : Clean, sharp. In stark contrast to the nose, the attack is vanilla and almost milky (yoghurt, fresh cream). Candied citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit) and exotic fruit (pineapple, plantain banana) create a rich transition. The end of the palate is slightly fibrous.

Overall : Long, silky. The peach-skin-like finish returns to the candied ginger notes of the nose while developing creamy toffee flavours. Staying close to the sugar cane, the after-taste is refreshed with very fresh juice.