La Maison du Rhum Île Maurice batch#5 is a pure cane juice rum from the Chamarel distillery, located in the southwest of the small Indian Ocean island.
This is a blend of rums distilled in 2014, 30% in pot stills and 70% in columns. The rum benefited from maturation in new French oak, ex-cognac and ex-red wine oak casks, followed by finishing in oloroso and single malt casks.
Bottling took place in the2nd half of 2022 and produced 8429 units worldwide.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the balance is immediately created between a slightly coppery typicity, carried by the relatively high strength of the rum, and the roundness of a white woodiness impregnated with cane juice. It doesn't take long for the tannins of the oak and wine contained in the casks to make themselves known, then quickly melt into a lovely fruity jam.
Aeration reveals a medicinal breath, freshly resinous and minty, almost camphorated. This little varnish haloed our fruit jam, which continues to gain in concentration, sometimes evoking dried figs or prunes, with a few incursions of spice.
On the palate, the perfectly measured power propels the candied cane onto the palate. It clings to the palate and spreads out warmly, as if fresh from the copper pot. From the jammy fruit, we still perceive a few pits adorned with resinous nuances, for a restrained pastry character.
The finish is gently spicy, and the melted wood continues down the path of elegant pastry.
"A fine balance of power, gourmandise, character and elegance..."
Jérémie's tasting notes
On the nose: the initial aromas reveal vanilla, caramel, and gingerbread, accompanied by notes of medicinal herbs and a slight hint of hydrocarbons. After aeration, the bouquet gains complexity with the emergence of floral notes, slightly oxidized red fruits, a generous basket of candied fruits, and well-integrated oak.
On the palate: the attack is direct, driven by herbaceous notes and a slight bitterness reminiscent of citrus peel. Flavors of caramel and licorice blend harmoniously with dark chocolate and sweet spices, dominated by clove and nutmeg. Candied fruits, particularly fig, prune, and quince, add a lovely richness and prolong the overall indulgence.
The finish: long and lingering, it returns to herbaceous notes and a pleasant bitterness, supported by a pronounced roastiness reminiscent of freshly roasted beans. A few hints of candied fruit remain in the background, contributing to a harmonious and complex finish.
