Damoiseau 12 ans is a blend of Guadeloupe rums from the one and only Grande-Terre distillery. This blend is made up of half agricultural rums (from pure cane juice), and half sugar rums (from molasses).
Aging took place in old American oak barrels that had previously contained bourbon. These 12 years were spent in a tropical climate, for a superb concentration of flavors.
Nico's tasting notes
This rum's utterly pastry-like nose takes us into a realm of candied fruit cake, rum/raisin ice cream and fruit in disguise (dates and prunes in marzipan). The result is an enormous delicacy, like a grenadine syrup with woody accents.
With aeration, the rum becomes richer and more elegant. It takes on a spicier, subtler, woodier quality. Its generous, concentrated heart doesn't fade, however; it gains aromas of pits and resin, with a touch of leather.
The palate is soft but not really round, opening with a slightly woody, spicy caramel. The structure is quite fine, so the pastry register doesn't overdo it. Instead, it's the resinous side that expresses itself, with tannins soaked in a slightly sweet olive brine. Kernels and almonds then return to provide the expected gourmandise.
The finish is long, with a kirsch-like cherry edge and a touch of iodine that holds the note for a long time.
"Generously candied sweetness on the nose, giving way to deeper, full-bodied aromas on the palate..."
