Isautier 14 ans Antoinette pays tribute to Isautier's first female director. Antoinette Isautier took over management of the distillery in 1865, after the death of her husband Charles Isautier. Her ambition was to make the distillery known throughout the world.
This traditional molasses rum was distilled in column stills in 2004. It then spent 8 to 14 months in new oak barrels, then several years in ex-cognac French oak barrels to reach an age count of 14 years. As with all Isautier rums, ageing is tropical, and takes place in the cellars of Saint-Pierre on Reunion Island.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose opens immediately with a remarkable balance of fruit and oaky aromas, the rum is immediately available and full of promise. A slight vegetal dryness evokes the strawiness of cane, like slightly burnt grape marc.
Aeration brings more roasting, though still restrained, with caramelized nuts on toasted oak. From here, a small scarf of vanilla emerges, softening a slight coppery tinge of bitter orange peel.
The palate reveals a rum with a power and élan that are truly delightful. The nuts are fiery and smoky, coated in a sticky caramel with metallic nuances. Toasted oak joins in the battle, crackling with a good pinch of spice. A slight herbal, medicinal edge settles in on the finish, almost like whisky peat.
The finish is smoky, cereal-like, definitely reminiscent of a tropical, caramelized whisky.
"A rum with character, well toasted and concentrated, a nugget from the Isautier cellars..."
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