Half new, half charred Limousin oak. Clément XO is the expression where the house goes furthest with its cask selection, and where the result moves far from the green, young agricole style.
Expert Description
Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole XO is a Martinique Rhum Agricole aged at least six years in French Limousin oak casks and bottled at 42%.
The rum is distilled from fresh cane juice at Habitation Clément in Le François and then aged in a combination of casks, half of which are brand new and the other half heavily charred on the inside. This two-part cask strategy is at the heart of XO's character, where the new casks add spice and vanilla sweetness while the charred casks provide a deeper, smoky wood structure.
The combination of the two cask types over at least six years produces a rum markedly more complex than the house's younger VSOP, with a richness that approaches cognac in its elegance.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Ripe apples and true cinnamon, accompanied by a discreet smoky note of charred wood, complemented by honeysuckle, candied orange peel and vanilla with hints of clove, black tea, nuts and dark chocolate.
Palate
Very elegant with vanilla, liquorice and white pepper.
Finish
A long fade of charred sugarcane, coconut custard, peppery spices and a delicate mineral wetness.
Specifications
Name: Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole XO
Distillery: Clément
Region/Country: Martinique
Type: Rhum Agricole
Age: Minimum 6 Years
ABV: 42%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: French Limousin oak casks, half new and half charred
Distillation Method: Column distillation of fresh cane juice
Serving Suggestion: Neat at room temperature as a digestif
Flavour Profile
Spiced · Oaky · Elegant · Complex · Cognac-like
Did You Know?
The two-part cask selection using both new and charred Limousin oak casks is a technique originally known from cognac production, which Clément has adopted to give its oldest rhum agricole a richness that can rival the finest French brandies.
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