Top 30 Rums Countdown # 25 – Rhum Barbancourt 15 Year Old Estate Reserve

Rhum Barbancourt is distilled and produced by Societe du Rhum Barbancourt,  in Port Au Prince on the Isle of Haiti. The word “rhum” is the French spelling for our English word “rum”. However, the differences between Rhum and Rum are often much deeper than just a twist in spelling. This is because the traditions of making rhum in the French West Indies differs from the traditions of rum production in the rest of the Caribbean. The major difference in the production of Agricole Rum is that it is distilled from fermented sugar cane juice rather than fermented molasses.

As far as Rhum goes, Rhum Barbancourt kind of breaks the mold and goes its own direction, but it is a direction which pleased the Judges and I so much that it landed at number 26 on the countdown list of the 30 Best Rums in the World:

#25 – Rhum Barbancourt 15 Year Old Estate Reserve

“… The initial scents in the breezes are of butterscotch and sandalwood oak. As the glass breathes the aroma becomes more complex with some light baking spices (vanilla, cinnamon and cloves) and both citrus (orange peel) and dry fruit (dates, apricot and raisin) evolving… “

This Rhum displays a very nice balance of flavour with a more mellow style of oak which allows the flavour nuances within to shine.

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Rhum Clement Visits Calagary

Rhum Clement Profile

I met Benjamin Melin-Jones last year at Rum Renaissance when I was enjoying myself at the Rhum Clement sponsored VIP Party which was, of course, one of the major features at the Rum Renaissance Festival. For those who do not know Benjamin Jones is the person primarily responsible for relaunching the Rhum Clement Brand in the USA (and Canada).

Rhum Clement is the leading producer of A.O.C Martinique Rhum Agricole. Rhum Agricole is produced from sugar cane juice rather than molasses, and Rhum Clement is an agricole rhum which is further refined being produced solely from within a specific terroir of Martinique, hence receiving the A.O.C. certification.

Why I am bringing all of this to your attention?  The reason is that Benjamin Melin-Jones will be arriving in Calgary, Alberta to show off his Rhum Portfolio for two days. The first tasting will be at Willow Park Liquor Store on Wednesday March 16 at 7:00 PM. The Second will be at the Crowfoot Liquor Store on Thursday March 17, at 7:00 PM.

This will be a unique opportunity to not only sample a world-renowned spirits brand, but also a chance to speak directly to Benjamin Jones who just happens to be a direct descendant of Homere Clement, physician and mayor of Le Francios,  but more importantly to us, the man responsible for pioneering and producing Rhum Agricole on the French Island of Martinique over one hundred years ago.

I hope a few of my readers can take advantage of this opportunity.

Review: Barbancourt 8 Yr Old Haitian Rhum

The Earthquake which struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 has had, (and continues to have), a devastating impact on the Nation of Haiti as a whole.  Reports are very contradictory as far as the impacts towards the rum industry which is a major player in the overall economy of Haiti.  In fact it is believed that the rum industry must be one of the major driving forces to supply jobs and income to help the country rebuild.  With that in mind I decided to review the Barbancourt 8 Yr Old Haitian Rhum such that anyone so inclined to support the rebuilding of Haiti by purchasing one of their export products would have an idea of whether such an idea would be solely an act of charity or whether the purchase would be worthwhile entirely on its own merit.

I am happy to report that the rhum is very nice and will in the future be a staple of my rum cabinet.  Here is an excerpt from my review:

“Upon my tongue the rum feels mildly soft and buttery.  In fact I believe I can taste butter alongside the light brown sugar.  For spices there is only light hints of cinnamon and oak tannin which begins to taste like anise and orange peel as I let it sit in my mouth.  The spiciness is very mild.”

You can read the full review here:

As well an excellent first hand account of Haitian rum was written by Bunnyhugs about fifteen month ago when he took a trip to Haiti.  I thought his article might be a really nice read so here is the link:

Rhum Barbancourt Distillery Visit