Severin XO is a very old agricultural rum, blended from several barrels at least six years old. Aged in barrels that once contained American bourbon in the tropical conditions of Basse-Terre, Séverin XO boasts an appreciable aromatic richness.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose of this Guadeloupe rum is immediately very gourmand, like gingerbread with honey. We'd describe it simply as a pastry rum if it didn't have that extra touch of class that makes it ample, broad and luminous. The exotic fruits are bright, golden and candied. A good fermentation can be detected, giving it an appearance sometimes close to a grand aroma, or at any rate to a rather heavy rum, i.e. rich in aromas. The olive and preserved lemons confirm this impression. The prune is plump and full of cane juice.
Aeration allows the spices to express themselves. They enhance the candied fruit and the black olive, which is also candied. The banana emerges from this rich paste, dried, then cooked and flambéed. It quickly takes up an enormous amount of space. The spicy woodiness doesn't come to the fore, but it's there to support the whole and add elegance. The result is a well-balanced, gourmet rum.
On the palate, it's the pastry side that takes over. The hint of saltiness that follows is just there to accentuate the richness of the rum. It confirms its fullness and the warmth it can provide, right up to the nose, where it now manages to rise to the top. We chew on this rum made of prunes, candied fruit and sweet exotic fruit. It even goes as far as yellow fruit jam and honeyed gingerbread. You might think that the rum is too thick, too rich, but the magic of the spices and the light, smoky woodiness add undeniable class and charm to this rhum agricole.
The finish offers olive, banana and mellow tannins. The sensation is a little acidic and salty, which prolongs the pleasure.
"I love this exuberant, exalted rum, which is both imposing and elegant..."
FREDERIC KAPP
One of Guadeloupe's best XOs, if not the best, for several years now.
Philippe Traissac
Round, generous, perfectly balanced rum in the pure tradition of West Indian rums. Aged in bourbon barrels, it brings out a very light accent of corn and malted barley.
Lucas Mignon
Perfectly meets expectations.
Laurent
One of my favourites. Well-balanced.
danyboy
Fairly good value for money
Yann
A must-have, an atypical rum, typical of the Séverin house. A fine appetizer before a 2005, for example.