Angel's Share Title
Rhum JM Blanc
Established in 1790 the Rhum JM distillery located on the Caribbean island of Martinique has become one of the most prestigious Rhum Agricole brands in the spirits industry. For their rum, the company has used sugarcane grown in the volcanic soul of Mt. Pelée to produce their spirits. This cane is squeezed and the fresh juice is fermented and distilled using a Creole column still. The rum is then rested in steel vats or aged in French Limousin oak for whatever time period the blender dictates where it is blended and bottled. In this case the Blanc is rested for three months, then blended to 40% ABV using mineral water sourced at the Rhum JM estate.
Rhum JM Blanc
Appearance
The bottle has a blue and yellow label with matching screw top. The labels provide the basic information about the rum. The liquid is clear in the bottle and glass. Swirling the liquid creates a thin band around the glass that slowly beads up, thickens, and drops slow legs that evaporate before returning to the liquid.
Nose
The aroma begins with a strong lime note, wildflower honey, cane, with hints of green bell pepper and anise wrapping up the experience.
Palate
The first sip delivers a rare balance and earthy and sweet impressions as the alcohol of the rum gently conditions the mouth. Notes of honeyed bananas, grilled pineapple, green apple and a tweak of black pepper. A raspberry note lingers on the palate as the experience transitions and the green pepper and anise from the aroma manifest. As the flavors begin to fade, I detected salt, carbon and other minerals as the sweet note lingers for a long finish.
Review
So often when I experience a minimally aged rum or rum the flavor profile is dominated by the alcohols fiery bite and I have to let that clear before finding the flavor notes. With Rhum JM Blanc the experience was far superior to that. Now I truly understand why some bartenders like to use this as their preferred Rhum Agricole behind the bar. The versatility of the product makes it serviceable far beyond a Tí Punch (though it is quite good in one) with the flavor profile working well with punches and tropical cocktails that use fruit juices. While I have experienced several of Rhum JM’s older expressions after trying this one I find myself asking “what in the world took me so long??”. If you are looking to try a minimally aged Agricole and have not tried this product yet, put it on the top of your list. Cheers!
