On the final installment of La Maison du Whisky Singapore’s 18th-anniversary selection is a rhum agricole from the esteemed Neisson on the French Caribbean island of Martinique. For this occasion, LMDW chose an exclusive single cask, No. 264, from Neisson’s Straight From The Barrel collection, which showcased the “terroir of aging,” encompassing the warehouses where the casks were aged, down to the precise level and position of which they were racked.

The rhum was distilled on June 28, 2018, and aged in Neisson’s Mainmain warehouse on rack 3, with an average humidity level of 77% and an average temperature of 27.7°C. After five years of aging, 170 liters of the original 200 liters remained, resulting in 241 bottles at cask strength of 58.2% ABV.

The nose was incredibly fresh and uplifting, layered with complexity. Notes of freshly juiced sugarcane, grassy flavors, ripe yellow mangoes, and a subtle hint of varnish add depth and strength. As always, the rhum exhibited a nutty character too, reminiscent of salted peanuts, coupled with a dash of citrus zest, and punctuated by the freshness of mint and eucalyptus.

While the nose emphasised freshness, the palate presented a more reserved and mature character. Dried fruits, particularly golden sultanas and dried apricots, dominated the mix, with a subtle tingling spiciness too. Supporting these fruity notes were deeper, richer wood elements, including a hint of mustiness. A combination of sweet milk chocolates and dark cacao added bitterness to the long, osmanthus tea-like finish. Adding a few drops of water transformed the rhum, allowing chocolatey and hazelnut praline notes to emerge, imparting a softer elegance to the overall experience.

It comes as no surprise that the years of relationship-building LMDW had embarked on has given them the chance to select these exceptional spirits for their 18th anniversary. It was a thoughtful touch that they were easily accessible to most, allowing these wonderful spirits to be shared and enjoyed by all on this special occasion.

Your occasional rum addict!

@weixiang_liu