"Got Rum?" magazine
Rhum Damoiseau Virgin Cane Rum
Paul Senft reviews Rhum Damoiseau Virgin Cane Rum in the "Angel's Share" section of the 2015 February issue of "Got Rum?" magazine.
Rhum Damoiseau Virgin Cane Rum
Rhum Damoiseau’s Virgin Cane Rum is produced at the Bellevue Estate and Distillery in Guadeloupe. The distillery was established in the 19th century and acquired by the Damoiseau family in 1942 where it has remained. Today the distillery is operated by Mr. Hervé Damoiseau. The family produces their rhum within the same demanding processes of the rhum makers of Martinique.
The rhum is produced using fresh pressed sugarcane juice then it is fermented and distilled once before it is stored in oak barrels for three to six months. After the brief aging period the rhum is blended with spring water to 40 proof.
Appearance/Presentation
The short necked 750 ml bottle is frosted with the only design being the logo and a green wisp that makes me think of a sprout of sugarcane just breaking the earth.
The liquid is crystal clear when I pour it in the glass. Agitating the liquid creates a thin ring with legs that race quickly down the side.
Nose
Everything you would expect from an Agricole is in the glass. The aroma of the sugarcane, spring flowers, with just a hint of spice tickle the nose.
Palate
I have to express that my first sip was a bit of a surprise. I was braced for a harsher spirit. Instead, I discovered a surprisingly lush mouth feel with no astringency. The sugarcane note is front and center with the light oak and spice notes forming the foundation. Subsequent sips reveal light mineral notes and a mild fusel oil twist that brings up and reignites the spicy notes that unite and linger in the finish.
Review
It is always interesting when a new agricole hits the market place. In my area, Rhum Clément and Neisson have been battling it out for years. So a new rhum from Guadeloupe grabbed my attention.
I enjoyed the lushness of the spirit and the surprising depth of such a young product. What was not a surprise is how well it played in a Ti punch and I will definitely use it in any cocktail that calls for an agricole to be in the mix.
The company also produces a Rhum Vieux VSO P and XO that I am going to have to track down and try. Stay tuned for future reviews.
-Review by Mr. Paul Senft-
My name is Paul Senft - Rum Reviewer, Tasting host, Judge and Writer. My exploration of Rums began by learning to craft Tiki cocktails for friends. I quickly learned that not all rums are created equally and that the uniqueness of the spirit can be as varied as the locales they are from. This inspired me to travel with my wife around the Caribbean, Central America, and United States visiting distilleries and learning about how each one creates their rums. I have also had the pleasure of learning from bar tenders, brand ambassadors, and other enthusiasts from around the world; each one providing their own unique point of view, adding another chapter to the modern story of rum.
The desire to share this information led me to create www.RumJourney.com where I share my experiences and reviews in the hopes that I would inspire others in their own explorations. It is my wish in the pages of “Got Rum?” to be your host and provide you with my impressions of rums available in the wor ld market. Hopefully my tasting notes will inspire you to try the rums and make your own opinions. The world is full of good rums and the journey is always best experienced with others. Cheers!