Chalong Bay High Proof is a pure cane juice rum from the island of Phuket, Thailand. In this tropical paradise, many small planters cultivate sugarcane. A French couple decided to set up their copper still to distill the pure, fresh juice.
Chalong Bay rum is usually bottled at 40%. Here, exceptionally, it is offered in "high proof", i.e. 57%, again as part of the "pure series". This is an intense expression of Thai terroir and the house's savoir-faire.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, a very natural, fresh cane immediately wins us over, adorned with floral notes. Occasionally, a coppery, alembic quality comes through, as the lighter notes take flight for good.
Aeration reveals a very fruity, colorful side, with lychee, fresh pineapple and blackcurrant. Contrasts follow one another, always with a hint of copper hovering over a green cane with lemongrass accents.
On the palate, the copper of our small alembic produces a fairly lively attack, with a certain acidity. We're talking about the liveliness and sharpness of this rum, not aggressiveness. The mid-palate is rather light, though quite spicy, allowing the cane to present us with a fresh, peppery bark.
The finish sees the cane return in a different light, with a wilder, fermented juice.
"A version that really differs from the classic Chalong Bay, offering us a very lively and powerful rod..."
Philippe Cloetens
A fan of Caribbean rums, Chalong Bay is excellent in its High Proof version, as are the 40° versions. To be discovered!
Philippe Cloetens
Chalong Bay is an excellent brand, and the high proof is a wonderful discovery. Unfortunately not available in Thailand, and therefore at "European" prices...