Saint James Les Ephémères – N°1 2001 20yr

Review #1149; Rum #464

This is a rum that was distilled by the Saint James distillery located in Sainte-Marie Martinique. This is a limited release of 3500 bottles by the distillery. The fresh pressed cane juice was distilled on a creole column still. This rhum agricole was then put into American Oak barrels on November 24^th 2001 where it aged on Martinique until April 13^th 2021. It was bottled at cask strength with no additives.

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Distillery: Saint James

Bottler: Saint James

Region: Martinique

Cask: 20 years in American Oak (Ex-Bourbon) at origin

ABV: 55.2%

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Nose: Pungent and powerful nose, Nuttiness, book leather, wood varnish, Black Tea, Touch of floral, espresso, dried orange peel, star anise, raspberry

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Nuttiness, Book Leather, Wood Varnish, Dark chocolate, black tea, espresso, floral, dried orange peel, star anise, raspberry

Finish:  Long finish. Powerful. Nuttiness, book leather, Dark chocolate, black tea, espresso, slight vanilla cream, star anise, raspberry

Rating: 9/10

A powerful and wonderful example of well aged agricole. I will say upfront you need to be a fan of oak because it brings the oak here. However, not in an overpowering way for me. The oak is the backbone here but very well integrated. The heavy savory notes are the star with the nuttiness and dark chocolate being the standouts. A bit of dried fruit and spices help, keep the balance and the finish sticks with you forever.