Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish Martinique Rhum Agricole Rum 70 cl 45%

Where HSE 1998 shows rhum agricole in its pure form, this 2002 vintage adds an extra layer, as the classic Martinique style meets a finishing period in sherry casks.

Expert Description

Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish is a Martinique Rhum Agricole, finished in sherry casks, distilled in 2002 and bottled at 45%.

The rum is produced by Habitation Saint-Étienne (HSE), one of the leading AOC Martinique producers, known for distilling directly from fresh sugarcane juice. This 2002 vintage has undergone an extra finishing period in sherry casks, adding a sweet, nutty dimension to the classic, aromatic rhum agricole style. The sherry casks complement the fresh, grassy base with a layer of dried fruit and spice that sets this release apart from HSE's purer single cask editions.

The result is a full-bodied, complex rum, where the freshness of the sugarcane meets sherry sweetness and nutty notes in a long, rounded finish.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried fruit, nuts and a light sugarcane sweetness.

Palate

Full-bodied and complex with sherry sweetness, spice and a fresh, grassy base.

Finish

Long and rounded with lingering nutty notes.

Specifications

Name: Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish
Distillery: Habitation Saint-Étienne (HSE)
Region/Country: Martinique
Type: Martinique Rhum Agricole
ABV: 45%
Size: 70 CL
Distilled: 2002
Cask Type: Sherry casks
Serving Suggestion: Neat in a snifter at room temperature

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Sherry-forward · Nutty · Aromatic · Complex

Investment Potential

Medium. As a 2002 vintage with an unusual sherry finish from a recognised AOC producer, the bottle combines age and cask profile in a way that may interest collectors of rhum agricole.

Did You Know?

Sherry finishing is relatively rare within rhum agricole, as the style is traditionally valued for its pure, unfiltered sugarcane character rather than added cask notes.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish

What is Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish?

It's a Martinique Rhum Agricole, finished in sherry casks, distilled in 2002 and bottled at 45%.

What does Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish taste like?

It smells of dried fruit and nuts, while the palate is full-bodied and complex with sherry sweetness and a fresh, grassy base.

What's the difference between this and HSE 1998 Single Cask?

This 2002 edition has undergone an extra finishing period in sherry casks, while the 1998 edition is a purer single cask release without added cask influence.

Why is sherry finishing unusual for rhum agricole?

The style is traditionally valued for its pure sugarcane character, making a finish like this a less common approach.

What is rhum agricole?

It's rum distilled directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, giving it a more aromatic and precise flavour profile.

How should Habitation St. Etienne 2002 Sherry Finish be enjoyed?

It's best enjoyed neat in a snifter at room temperature, where the complex sherry and sugarcane notes come through.