Fair 8 ans is a blend made in Cognac by the FAIR bottler's cellar master, from rums aged a minimum of 8 years from the Traveller's distillery.
Like the other rums in the range, it is the fruit of cooperation between the FAIR company, the "Ethical Wine & Spirits" company, and of course the authorities who issue the "fair trade" label.
More than 6,000 small producers grouped together in cooperatives supply the distillery with sugar cane for the production of FAIR rum.
Nico's tasting notes
In brief: catchy - balanced - wood - vanilla - caramel - prune
The nose is vegetal, even medicinal, with a very warm, even slightly burnt oil that takes us towards something more industrial, between rubber and engine grease. Character, then, and a slightly acidic vivacity that's pleasantly measured. The heart of the rum seems more charming, with a balance of wood, caramel and vanilla, enhanced by red and black fruit tannins.
With aeration, the woodiness becomes more dry, straw-like. Then molasses coats the nose with deep, licorice notes. It's a nose that evolves a lot, that doesn't stay put. It will take some time before it settles down to dark but still mellow dried fruit.
The attack on the palate is intense and enveloping, coating the palate in a very pleasant way. The balance of caramel and wood is always well balanced, these flavors giving just what they have to, without overdoing it. The nuts are rich, and all this sinks in and bounces off a soft prune.
On the finish, the vanilla remains just right and tasty, lifted by a veil of smoke at the very end.
"This version of the FAIR Belize is very fair and interesting, and I would advise experienced enthusiasts to start with this version if they are new to the brand..."
