Habitation St. Etienne Martinique Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux XO Rom 70 cl 43%

Some of the rums in this bottle are older than most of the people drinking it – a few of HSE's oldest stocks date all the way back to the 1960s.

Expert description

Habitation St. Etienne Martinique Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux XO is an AOC Martinique Rhum Agricole, blended from rums matured for at least a decade in carefully selected Cognac casks and bottled at 43%.

The XO expression draws on some of the oldest stocks in HSE's cellars at Habitation Saint-Étienne, some of which date back to the 1960s. Because the rum has rested in Cognac casks rather than the more common American oak, it takes on a deep amber colour and a profile that leans on Cognac tradition's finesse rather than rum's typical sweetness.

Tasting notes

Nose

Complex yet not overwhelming, with light, fresh fruit notes, a grassy character and sweet mocha, complemented by pronounced notes of cocoa, mocha and pale tobacco with a hint of black pepper and nutmeg.

Palate

An explosion of flavour, with dry, strong oak, tobacco and smoke, balanced by a pleasant, light floral sweetness.

Finish

Surprisingly long and warming.

Specifications

Distillery: Habitation Saint-Étienne (HSE)
Region/Country: Martinique
Type: Rhum Agricole AOC Martinique
Age: Min. 10 years
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Cognac Casks
Edition: Extra Vieux XO
EAN no.: 3328731101818
Serving suggestion: In a snifter glass as a digestif

Flavour profile

Toasted · Tobacco · Cocoa · Spiced · Warming

Did you know?

Some of the oldest rums in HSE's Extra Vieux XO blend come from the cellars at Habitation Saint-Étienne dating all the way back to the 1960s, making this release one of the most historically layered rums in the house's entire range.

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Frequently asked questions about Habitation St. Etienne Extra Vieux XO

What does Extra Vieux XO taste like?

Complex with cocoa, mocha and pale tobacco on the nose, a strong palate of dry oak, tobacco and smoke, and a surprisingly long, warming finish.

Why are Cognac casks used?

The carefully selected Cognac casks give the rum an amber colour and a finesse that draws on Cognac tradition, rather than the sweetness typically associated with American oak.

How old is the rum really?

The blend is at least 10 years old, but also includes far older stocks from HSE's cellars, some dating all the way back to the 1960s.

How should Extra Vieux XO be served?

Best in a snifter glass as a digestif, letting the toasted, tobacco-driven notes be explored slowly.

Does it pair well with food?

It works best on its own after a meal, perhaps alongside a strong cigar or dark chocolate.

How does it differ from Très Vieux VSOP from the same house?

Extra Vieux XO is older, darker and more tobacco-driven, while VSOP is lighter with more prominent candied fruit.