Sampan blanc 65° is the Full Proof version of white rum from the Distillerie d'Indochine. This pure cane juice, distilled in a French copper column still, restores all the sugar cane terroir of the Quang Nam province. This cane is grown without chemicals, and is cut entirely by hand by local farmers.
Although labelled Full Proof (brut d'alambic), this rum has been very lightly reduced. Its slow dilution eliminates any aggressiveness, giving it a round mouthfeel. This time of rest, reduction and aeration was spread over more than a year, as distillation took place on August 18, 2019, and bottling only on September 13, 2020.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the cane that first comes our way is rather dry and fresh, in pure West Indian agricultural style. The first scents are floral and tangy, like little berries gorged with sweet water. One thinks of a sort of tropical gooseberry, which gradually attracts a riper cane.
Aeration brings us back to 100% on the cane, with a clear, fragrant juice that's completely devoted to the reed flesh, free of parasites and distractions other than a hint of peppery bark.
On the palate, the power is palpable and grips the tongue with vigor, without burning it. Instead, the cane imposes itself with a delightful brilliance. It's massive, whole, and never deviates from its trajectory for a moment. A little candied citrus juice develops on the mid-palate, coating the taste buds to our delight.
The finish is rather round and greedy, and the memory of a lively cane remains.
"No frills, no artifice, but cane in its purest expression...".
