Rum 42° Saison

Saison Rum is a blend of rums from Barbados (West Indies Rum Distillery and Foursquare Distillery - aged 3 to 5 years), Jamaica (Long Pond and Hampden Distilleries - aged 0 to 2 years) and Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad Distillers Limited - aged 3 years).

Once in the Tessendier cellars in France, the rums are blended in Limousin oak barrels, slowly reduced to 42° and bottled.

Nico's tasting notes

This rum's resolutely buttery nose doesn't detract from its expressiveness, giving an impression of balance right from the start. Simple but well orchestrated, it releases its spices (cinnamon and especially pepper) and roasted nuts. The coconut is soft and slightly toasted, and this sweetness fairly balances out a smoky, metallic edge that flirts with quince paste. This aspect underlines the rum's lively, taut character, which is not overpowering in its sweetness, just as the caramel is present but not sweet. The candied orange zest has swollen in these vapors and adds thickness.

Aeration takes the power up a notch. The heavier, more concentrated aromas emerge with a little polish. At this point, the buttery side is forgotten, and the Trinidad-style smokiness/metaliness asserts itself once again. Jamaica is also present, with its famous "funk" of extremely ripe exotic fruits, especially bananas. More eccentricity, then, but also a little tougher, with a dark, but nicely waxed wood. A cherry or pear brandy bursts out at times to bring freshness and dynamism.

The palate is very smooth, with a very light consistency. Notes of tobacco and light leather soon give way to a good woody phase, followed by the smoky, metallic side, itself gradually approaching dark cocoa. An oxidized compote of rustic apples adds sweetness and thickness, and the balance is quickly established by the toasted wood.

The finish recalls a light metallic touch, molasses, caramel and vanilla.

"This rum is a fine synthesis and a gentle discovery of English-style rums. It will appeal to the curious who are beginning to venture into slightly choppy waters..."