Rhums Saint-Etienne, Martinique, French West Indies

70cl 50% abv (100 proof)

Saint-Etienne Rhum Blanc Cuvée de l'an 2000 was harvested and distilled in the exceptional year of 2000. It is also the only rhum/rum in the world which is progressively reduced from the 70% distillate down to 50% alcohol over a period of two years. Others typically reduce immediately after distillation, and then bottle shortly after or within a few months. This technique allows the rhum to 'rest' and develop far longer than any other white rhum, as part of the reduction is done naturally by evaporation. It also preserves the delicate aromas and mouth-feel by reducing the actual amount of water added. Its finesse, elegance and true cane sugar aromas are really outside of the norm found in most white rums and is a rare delight. If you want to know what white rhum is supposed to taste like, you have to try it!
Blancs are the local rum of choice and are best appreciated in the classic 'Créole Ti Punch' cocktail, but this special rhum makes a fabulous top-shelf mixer.

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70cl 42% abv (84 proof)

Saint-Etienne Rhum Elevé Sous Bois (matured in wood) is a 'Rhum Agricole' which has been aged a minimum of 12 months in large oak vats. This type of rhum, also know as 'Paille', French for 'straw', the color imparted from the shorter aging time. It is the most overlooked and under-appreciated of all French rhums as consumers generally move from a Blanc to a 3 year-old 'Vieux' or on to the older bottlings. The shorter aging period distinguishes this rhum from the Blanc with floral, fruity and vanilla aromas and rounds out the distinct sugar cane edges found in the Blanc. It is in our opinion one of the best values in 'Rhum Agricole' and more distinctive than a simple three year old 'Vieux'. It is the most ideal rhum for a 'Créole Ti Punch' and is an elegant mixer that makes an interesting substitute for whiskey.


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70cl 42% abv (84 proof)

Saint-Etienne Rhum Vieux VO has subtle, spicy aromas from aging for over 3 years in oak barrels.
It has a unique and special personality, placing it amongst the top of the very popular 'Old Agricole Rhum' category.
The aroma and taste has a fine balance with black pepper notes and a smoky touch which create a "heady" aspect to its aromatic spectrum. This is followed by enticingly well-integrated vanilla notes giving way to a light taste of bourbon from the aging barrels, enhanced by a sweet note of cherries on the finish. A spectacular 'top-shelf' mixer, Saint-Etienne Vieux VO is great on its own after a fine meal.

- Bronze Medal - London International Wine and Spirit Competition 2006
- Bronze Medal - Paris Concours Général Agricole 2007

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70cl 45% abv (90 proof)

Saint-Etienne Rhum Très Vieux VSOP 'Réserve Spéciale' is a blend of selected 'Rhums Agricoles' which have been aged a minimum of six years in oak (traditionally in used American Bourbon casks, but now also including some French Limousine oak barrels). Due to the hot, humid, tropical weather found in the French Indies, so ideal for sugar cane growing, alcohol ages much faster than in northern climates and rhum is considered 'vieux' or 'old' after as little as three years. The vast majority of rhums are sold and consumed much sooner, so any rhum stock kept six years or longer in wood is quite rare and prized. This climate also significantly reduces the life of a wooden barrel and they must be constantly inspected and often repaired or changed.
The aroma of Saint-Etienne Rhum Très Vieux VSOP is distinguished by intense, woody Bourbon cask notes, mingled with coffee and chocolate. On the palate, the vanilla and coffee flavours are mingled with spicy candied exotic fruit and bee's wax. It is best appreciated at the end of a meal as a digestif, as one would enjoy a fine cognac, armagnac or single malt whisky. This special VSOP represents the true skill of the rhum-blender's art.

- Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole of Paris 2005, 2006
- Bronze Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London 2006

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70cl 43% abv (86 proof)

Rhum Vieux Saint-Etienne XO 'Grande Réserve' is made by carefully blending extremely old rhums from reserves at the Habitation, including those distilled in 1960! This is truly the connoisseur's blend: it has a beautiful amber color with a noble aroma presenting warm notes of old leather and sandalwood with touches of black pepper, ginger and nutmeg. The palate is rich with vanilla and woody notes, and finishes long with sweet creamy notes of exotic fruit and spices. As with the VSOP, it is best appreciated at the end of a meal as a digestif, and would be the ideal compliment to your finest cigar.

- Bronze Medal - International Wine & Spirit Competition, London, 2004, 2006
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