Review #440; Rum #43: Clairin Le Rocher

This bottling of the funky Haitian rum spirit comes to us from Pignon. Using sugar cane syrup they add 30% dunder from previous batches in a method similar to how Jamaican rum is made that adds the popular funk. The other Clairins don’t do this step but this one follows the others, wild yeast, pot distilled, but distilled to an unusually low proof from Bethel Romelus, lets see how this holds up.

ABV: 49.8%

Nose: Singed black pepper, over-ripe fruit funk, light bread, motor oil, slight minerality and earth.

Palate: Thick, oily mouthfeel. Tangy, lime zest, over-ripedned fruit funk, oregano, olive oilesque, slight acidity, light bubblegum,

Finish: Medium length. Warm and lingers. Over-ripe fruits, olive oil, light acidity, fresh baked bread, guava, mango.

Rating: 7/10

This is some delicious stuff. Packed full of flavor despite being under 50% and sporting a thick mouthfeel to boot, the flavors just come in waves in a funky and savory experience. For $40-50, for a still proof, wild yeast, well made product this stuff is a fantastic value. Fun in cocktails and a delight to drink neat, Clairin is firmly going to be a mainstay on my shelf.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect