Manutea is a white rum made from pure Polynesian cane juice. The red cane of the O'Tahiti variety is grown on Tahaa, then transported by schooner to Moorea, where it is distilled. The rum is bottled after 3 months of maturation and slow reduction.
This is clearly a tasting white rum that can be drunk on its own or as a ti punch. Of course, it can also be the base of a successful cocktail.
Nico's tasting notes
In brief: cane - chestnut glaze - artichoke - exotic fruit brandy - silky - liquorice
On the nose, the cane is radiant and full-bodied. Its aromatic breadth is delightful. A vegetal side first, with fresh, light lemon basil and other herbs. It's a generous cane, eager to express itself. The fermentation is very fragrant, not very acidic, but rather floral and fruity. The spices are mild, the pepper melting into the candied bagasse.
Aeration reveals a touch of copper, then again a silky cane whose fiber is like a fine fabric. Iced chestnut emerges from this delicacy, as does cane sugar, for a roundness that caresses. A little mischievous acidity bursts from time to time in fine bubbles of yellow lemon. The rum continues to evolve and take on body with a variety of exotic fruit eaux-de-vie.
On the palate, we have a cane candy with a slightly peppery fiber. The sensation is round but intense as the rum coats the palate. The fragrant fermentation is still there, as is the vegetal aspect whose sweetness recalls a tender, finely peppered artichoke. The exotic fruit eau-de-vie gives a fine impression of amplitude, balanced by the aniseed and licorice that add a touch of precision.
The finish retains these last notes, with licorice lingering over cane brandy and exotic fruit.
"Superb white rum, with aromatic fullness and a silky touch, both on the nose and in the mouth..."
On video
This rum is part of the Rhum Pur Jus de Canne Asia / Oceania discovery pack which we tasted live with Laurent Cuvier (The Man with the Stroller), in a video to be found on our Youtube channel.
