Saint James 1939 vintage 47°.

Saint James 1939 is an exceptional bottle.
Hermetically sealed, it has been stored in the best possible conditions, upright and protected from light, at the Saint James distillery.

1939 was a special year, as it was the last rum produced before the war (see an advertisement from the period in the photo gallery).
With the restrictions and problems of maritime traffic, only the 1941 was really sold (see in the photo gallery the portrait of Empress Josephine with the note telling loyal customers that it was impossible to deliver their favorite rum...).

The bottle in the photo has been sold, but we'll be receiving one or 2 in the next few months. You can click on the alert button if you'd like to buy one.

Here are the tasting notes made for a bottle of this vintage by the members of the Saint James distillery, bearing in mind that these may vary from bottle to bottle:

Color: brown with mahogany highlights.

Clarity: fairly clear and bright, with a few natural whorls due to the gradual deposition of complexed tannins.

Nose: its high intensity, enhanced by a good degree, makes it flattering, while retaining a certain warmth softened by the number of years. The Saint-James character of this rum is powerful, with very roasted notes (coffee), followed by nutty brou de noix, rancio and cigar box notes, with a background of coarse syrup.

Palate: its degree allows the aromas to carry through, while retaining a warm mouthfeel and offering length. The more pronounced wood attenuates the strong toasty notes of the nose to reveal a delicately fruity finish, in addition to the aromas of the nose.

Conclusion: a vintage with a distinct Saint-James character, with notes of empyreumatic roasting, which has retained all its qualities. Thanks to all its years of cellaring, the aromas have blended together to create a pleasant complexity.

To be enjoyed or kept: as an investment, a collector's item, or both.