L'Esprit Clarendon Rum 2004-2020 is a Jamaican molasses rum. The L'Esprit team, who also select whiskies, chose this unique cask from the distillery that produces Monymusk rums. The parallel with whisky is in the way it is distilled, as Clarendon has beautiful pot-stills, as can be found in Scotland.
This rum was distilled in September 2004 and bottled in October 2020, 16 years later. This bottling was done without reduction (brut de fût), without colouring or cold filtration. This edition is limited to 234 copies.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose immediately shows a certain power, which does not sting the nostrils but hides the heart of the rum for the moment. When the varnish cracks, a nice pear brandy comes to the surface, with some fresh and oxidized touches.
Airing and resting reveals a vanilla that soon covers the entire surface of the glass. The fruit is now draped in a veil of sweet spices; it even ends up bathing in a gourmet custard.
On the palate, the rum is lively and quickly coats the mouth, insinuating itself into every corner of the taste buds. It is a sunny and warm rum, sending its fruits like rays of light. It also knows how to be more comfortable and cosy when this mouthfeel fades.
The finish is logically more pastry-like, with almonds and slightly coppery fruit jellies.
"Power and light, for this very sunny rum...
Ashandaar Ite Valumbre
Simply a joy with every sip.