It was about time, but here are finally some tasting notes of white rums. Generally dedicated to the unconditional ti'punch and mixology, it is too often relegated to the rank of simple ingredient, instead of dwelling on it, and better still, tasting it pure; However, it is nonetheless the basis of any old rum, and without a good base...

Yet it is the most authentic and traditional product there is, the purest and closest to sugar cane: freshly taken out of the column or still which will have sublimated its essence, then left to rest for a few months before bottling (when the rum is not bottled 'brut de colonne'), a white rum very rarely lies; it is an eau-de-vie which already gives a very good idea of ​​a distillery, and which perfectly reflects the work of the farmers and their land.

A white rum is a naked and unadorned rum, still free of woody aromas, without any impact, except that of the cane and the earth that saw it grow. A white rum, finally, is a wild and fiery rum, to which time has not yet given an excuse, and which still has everything to be forgiven. It reflects in this, all the work of man, of the farmer, of his know-how, and of his labor.

Travel to the lands of Marie-Galante for this first stop, at the Bielle distillery, and before lingering later on those of Bellevue and Poisson Père Labat.

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Bielle 59°

A benchmark among whites, the first in Bielle rum at its historic strength of 59°.

The color of this rum, oily and clear, leaves a crown of filiform and tight droplets, nonchalant and gourmet, drawn on the glass.
The nose is very gourmet and full. Sweet cane and saturated fruits (banana, mango), the rum appears opulent and well-balanced. The sweetness prevails despite the degree, and aromas of coconut and vanilla float above the glass; the rest will bring refreshing notes of citrus fruits and cinnamon in a cohesion always constant and gourmet, and always in a very beautiful accuracy.

The attack is fat, tasty, and delivers a torrent of cane in a beautiful aromatic concentration; the rum is vanilla and gourmet, sweet, then spicy to the point of pepper which stings slightly; the finish is endless and the mastery always present.

One of the Rolls Royce of pure white rum, Bielle 59 is always a pleasure, from nose to mouth, a sure value. Note: 84

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Bielle Canne Grise / 59°

Same degree as the white reference of Bielle, this is their first mono varietal rum (only one variety of cane used, here the gray cane). A new trend in the world of agricultural rum, but let's keep in mind that it is not the cane that is most important, but the attention and care given to it, in addition to its freshness.

We are still on the same oily and multi-droplet aspect.
On the nose, we are faced with a really very dry rum, on straw, white chocolate, herbs, and like dust. Unlike the other whites of the brand, rather very fruity and close to the zenith, this one gives the impression of touching the earth, closer to the greenery and humidity of the undergrowth than to the luxuriance of large fruit trees. We find citrus fruits and papayas fallen to the ground, decomposing, acrid, and rather farmy aromas, of mold, with all the same a touch of freshness thanks to the citrus fruits. A nose in restraint, timid, and which seems to gradually die out.

The mouth is soft and unctuous, milky; we find a green cane and a bitterness quite present and astringent, then citrus fruits, before seeing ripe and sweet fruits surge which considerably soften the mouth; a hint of refreshing peppermint spice up the mouth in a beautiful way. Even the fruits seem moldy (very ripe papayas). The finish is peppery, long, and persistent.

A white rum that is off the beaten track, original but difficult to approach. Rating: 77

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Chantal Comte Fighting Spirit RED / 50°

While the Blue version is a white rum that comes from the Simon distillery in Martinique, the RED version comes from Marie-Galante (Bielle).

Opulent oily dress, many droplets.
The nose is swollen, initially opulent on sweet cane and ripe, metallic fruits, but quickly refreshed by a bouquet of fresh, mentholated herbs; we find a lot of citrus zest, for a very fresh and vegetal nose, with a small fragrant touch of white flower.

On the palate, the attack is soft and smooth, mentholated, aniseed and 'zesty'; then a fruitiness which moderately softens the mouth, followed by spices which will warm the palate until a long finish, on spices, peppery.

A pleasant and very fresh white rum, marked by citrus fruits and pepper, and which will undoubtedly have its little effect in ti'punch. Note: 83

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Rhum Rhum PMG / 41°

This is a rum produced with the pure, integral juice of sugar cane (without adding water), fermented in temperature-controlled vats (20/22°C) for seven to nine days. Before bottling, RhumRhum rests for a year in stainless steel vats. Distilled in a traditional potstill, this is a Pure Single Rhum .

An oily, fat white, the dress of this RhumRhum is dressed in many peas letting escape ample and heavy legs.
On the nose it is very aromatic and complex: very fruity and gourmet, with a great floral class. We find an opulent cane and white-fleshed fruits (granny apple), very ripe banana, flat peach, pineapple, and more surprisingly, red fruits. At rest, citrus fruits (lime zest) and hints of olive (long fermentation) for a very well-balanced white on the nose, and deliciously perfumed.

The attack is excessively soft and smooth, and the rum literally caresses the palate, leaving a light, vaporous aromatic veil in its wake; the dilution is felt, and the 41° offers a mouthful of restraint, but with enough indulgence and roundness to save the day. This time, it is the citrus fruits that are in the spotlight, lime, zest, green herbs, and cane in all its splendor. The dilution surely emphasizes these green notes, but the mouth remains very pleasant and fruity, with a little something magical. The finish is long, spicier (white pepper), and with a nice return of the cane, and always this white-fleshed fruitiness and the zest that linger in the mouth.

A very interesting white rum, which has a big effect despite the small 41°, fine and complex, perfectly balanced. Drinks like milk, fresh and fruity. Note: 87

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Rhum Rhum PMG / 56°

Same history and production as the Rhum Rhum above, this is the 'brut de fût' version.

A fatty rum, and round legs that quickly and exclusively cover the glass decor.
On the nose, it is very concentrated, no surprise; the alcohol blocks the entry a little and we immediately understand the interest of the 41°, more telling this time, more quickly in any case (for those in a hurry). Fresh cane, white (pear) and exotic fruits, lime zest, it is simple but so well done, and very well balanced. We find the same aromas as the reduced version, with in addition notes of leather, and fresh vegetal (hay), making the rum more straightforward and less exuberant than the 41°, more 'black'.

On the palate, it is fat and lively, and once again very concentrated. The fruity notes caress the palate and charm it, the spices support it, and the citrus fruits give it this refreshing and very pleasant touch, almost iodized. Licorice, anise, vanilla, flower, everything is there for a unique tasting. The finish is very long, warm, on a jammy fruit, and warm spices. Always as complete and balanced.

An excellent white rum, very aromatic, very well balanced and tasty, which will make it an ally of ti'punch, and well beyond, a white rum for the mouth, to be enjoyed pure. Note: 89

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

From the folks behind DuRhum, Velier, and more, comes a premium online marketplace for rum enthusiasts by rum enthusiasts! Do check out www.rowspirits.fr for more great content and iconic rums!