HSE Grande Réserve XO is an exceptional rum in many ways.
It is a blend of the best reserves of the Habitation Saint-Étienne aged for six to eight years in oak barrels. To this precious composition is then added a small part of the Grande Réserve of 1960, which gives the rum an incomparable elegance and a strong character.
Mild and charming, Grande Réserve XO from the HSE distillery won three medals at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris, including two gold medals.
Laurent's tasting note
Its colour is a deep, brilliant amber.
On the nose, there is a lot of greediness, well balanced by the relative strength of this rum. As is often the case with HSE, the influence of the cask can be found in the form of a "white and fresh" wood. Then come the aromas of orange, pepper, fig and vanilla. The whole is very harmonious. After opening, sandalwood and tobacco aromas appear.
On the palate, the attack is relatively soft and the alcohol develops afterwards. Wood, vanilla and spices share the spotlight.
The finish is long with intense roasted notes. A soft woodiness also develops alongside vanilla. This finish has three stages: cocoa, sweetness (almost creamy), then a slight tannic edge and tobacco.
COLIN BOUR
Excellent rum
Jean-Marc GERARD
An excellent rum in this price range.
THIERRY EVRARD
NICKEL. NOTHING TO REPORT....
Louison
I recently had the opportunity to taste this XO from HSE. A rum with a lot of character where the woodiness is very present. A rum to enjoy with friends after a good dinner.