Sometimes it is hard to not look back at the could’ve should’ve beens and wonder how things could have been different. That is exactly how I feel right now as I hold this bottle of Rhum J.M. Single Barrel Rum Reserve Speciale Rhum Agricole Vieux. To think that a year ago, with the help of my Rhum buddy (Rhummie? Rhumddy? Rhum BFF?) Melissa Pinkerton, I pulled together the Evening of Funk-n-Rhum in Chicago before departing for Nashville. Never once did I think would it have been as successful as it was and never once did, I think it could lead to single barrel picks for Rhum J.M. Alas though, here we are, sitting in the sweltering Nashville sun, sipping on Rhum Agricole and daydreaming of all that could have been.
NOTEWORTHY
• Cask No. 14 09 158
• Carefully Smuggled by Binny’s Beverage Depot
• Bottle No. 47/372
• Type of Wood: 100% Virgin American Oak
• Distilled: 01/09/2014
• Bottled: 12/07/2018
COLOR
Very consistent held up to the light – distinct golden honey with mild straw highlights. The bottle itself is short and squat with dark green glass and cream colored labeling. It is minimalistic and to the point. Nothing is flashing and all relevant information is there for you to see.
NOSE
A little punchy upfront as the alcohol comes right at you. As assertive as it is, it melds right away with sweet honey notes soothing the sting your nostrils were just inundated with. From there the nose becomes very familiar and scotch-like aroma of pencil shavings and graphite that mingles with flamed orange peel, sugarcane grass, brandy, old sangria, and menthol.
PALATE
For as intense as the nose can come off; the first sips of the rhum are very inviting. A wash of honey drizzled pear, apple, and mango instantly coat your taste buds. There other subtle notes of banana leaves, sulfur and raw ginger keeping the honey and orchard fruit character from being one dimensional and boring.
MOUTHFEEL
Very silky and medium-bodied.
FINISH
The finish on this is very complex and long-lasting. The tropical flavors begin to give way to the influence of virgin American oak. Bitter Earl Grey Tea with the flamed orange peel notes from the nose compliment a dry and spice forward finish. Not unpleasant, it is a finish that keeps you chasing the initial flavors of those first sips.
OVERALL
This is an incredibly wonderful and complex rhum. As I said earlier; it is hard to believe that something like this would have its own single barrel release and I cannot help but be jealous. I cannot help but wonder what my involvement if any, in this selection process might have been had I stayed in Chicago. That is life though and there is no point dwelling on what you have no control over. I am just grateful that this is in the market and that others are actively seeking out.
For those who feel that this might be too assertive of a rhum to enjoy on its own, I always suggest the wonderfully refreshing Ti Punch cocktail:
A simple and refreshing cocktail that is very easy to make. The ‘Ti Punch is a cocktail deeply rooted as part of the French Caribbean culture of Martinique. It is famous as an aperitif that is offered to welcome someone into one’s house, or to start any meal or celebration.
- 2 oz. J.M Rhum Agricole
- 2 heaping bar spoons of J.M Sirop de Canne
- 1/2 oz. of fresh lime juice
The Method: Take a lime and gently roll it on the table to soften the
lime and bring the oils to the surface of the lime. Cut the lime in 4 spherical
lime disks and discard the core. In an old-fashioned glass, squeeze the lime
disk and add a heaping bar spoon of J.M Sirop de Canne.
Add J.M Rhum Agricole and use a Bois Lélé (i.e. pronged wooden swizzle stick
usually plucked from a tree native to Martinique) or a simple bar spoon to stir
and gently muddle the lime to blend the juice & the aromatic oils with the
J.M Sirop. If desired, add a tablespoon of crushed ice or one large ice cube
and briefly stir again to chill the drink.
Garnish with lime disk.
