Thoreau Rhum and Cognac 40° (40° proof)

After the Bellevoye range of French whiskies, El Pasador de Oro rums,
Les Bienheureux launches a new premium spirit: Thoreau.

The result of a unique blend of Guatemalan rums and V.S.O.P. Cognac, Thoreau is first and foremost a tribute in bottle to the 19th-century American philosopher, poet and naturalist Henry David Thoreau.
Known for his writings encouraging creative freedom, Thoreau is a perfect illustration of this philosophy. From its intriguing design to the novel assemblage contained within its fluorescent-green-labelled decanter, Thoreau extends its homage to its collar, which features quotations from the poet. One example: "The only obligation I have is to do what I think is right".

Florian's tasting notes

The color is coppery gold. Fine, slow, homogeneous tears.

On the nose, I'm instantly surprised to find markers of Enmore-type rum in continental aging, although geographically, we're not there. Walnut oil, white sesame, then lots of yellow fruit, plum, dried apricot, citrus (orange, grapefruit). Satellite notes of fleur-de-lis and sweet spices. A hint of walnut.
Oxygen brings roundness and a hint of caramel.

On the palate, it's soft, full-bodied and oily. The attack is very fruity: orange liqueur and dried apricot, with a hint of harlequin. The evolution is marked by pepper and white flowers, with a hint of vanilla and wood.

The medium-length finish is dominated by orange liqueur and white pepper.

"A surprising blend in which the identity of the rum is well marked, the cognac enhances the spices and offers a little power to the juice..."

Recipe for Thoreau Bulles

Ingredients

40 ml Thoreau
35 ml champagne
20 ml sugar syrup
15 ml lime juice
2 dashes Angostura bitter
Thin slice of ginger
6 mint leaves
Ice cubes

Bar and service equipment

A shaker
Pestle
A coupe glass

Preparation

1. Place the mint and the thin slice of ginger in the shaker. Using a pestle, gently crush them.
2. Add remaining ingredients with ice cubes (except champagne).
3. Shake the shaker
4. Strain into the glass and top up with chilled champagne.
5. Serve in a coupe glass.
6. You can add a mint leaf to the cocktail if you like.