Clement Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP Martinique Rum 70 cl 40%

From green and sharp to deep and round. Clément VSOP shows what French oak can do for a rhum agricole when it's given at least four years to settle.

Expert Description

Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP is a Martinique Rhum Agricole aged at least four years in French oak casks and bottled at 42-45%.

The rum is distilled from fresh cane juice at Habitation Clément in Le François and then aged under Martinique's tropical sun, where evaporation is far faster than in a colder climate. The tropical climate forces the rum to absorb colour and flavour from the oak in a shorter time, giving VSOP surprising depth for its age. The casks have often previously held cognac or other French spirits, adding a light winey character to the agricole's typically green base.

The result balances the raw, herbal cane character with dried fruit, spice and a soft wood sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried fruit and light vanilla, with a lingering hint of cane and freshly planed wood underneath.

Palate

Round and spiced with brown sugar, toasted oak and a hint of apricot.

Finish

Medium length, dry and lightly spiced, with a closing herbal freshness from the cane.

Specifications

Name: Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP
Distillery: Clément
Region/Country: Martinique
Type: Rhum Agricole
Age: Minimum 4 Years
ABV: 42-45%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: French oak casks
Distillation Method: Column distillation of fresh cane juice
EAN: 3107460004528
Serving Suggestion: Neat at room temperature or in an aged Ti' Punch

Flavour Profile

Dried Fruit · Spiced · Oaky · Round · Herbal Base

Did You Know?

Because of Martinique's tropical heat, far more rum evaporates from the casks each year than in Scottish or Irish climates, the so-called "angels' share", meaning rhum agricole matures faster and more intensely than whisky of the same age.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP

What is Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP?

It's a Martinique Rhum Agricole aged at least four years in French oak casks, bottled at 42-45%.

What does VSOP mean for a rhum agricole?

VSOP indicates a minimum age of four years in cask, a designation borrowed from the cognac world, which Martinique's AOC rules also use for rhum agricole.

What does Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP taste like?

It tastes round and spiced with dried fruit, brown sugar, toasted oak and a hint of apricot, with a medium, lightly spiced finish.

Why does rhum agricole mature faster than whisky?

Martinique's tropical climate causes evaporation from the casks to happen far faster than in colder regions, forcing the rum to absorb flavour and colour from the oak in a shorter time.

How should Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP be enjoyed?

It can be enjoyed neat at room temperature for the full complexity, or used in an aged version of Ti' Punch.

Where is Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP produced?

The rum comes from Habitation Clément in Le François, Martinique, where it's distilled from fresh cane juice.