Tasting

Anyone tasting a rum from Marie-Galante for the first time is best off starting with the Blanc. Bielle, Père Labat, and Bellevue each bottle a white rum at 59 percent, with Bellevue also offering one at 50 percent and Père Labat an organic Blanc at 52. Comparing two side by side reveals the character of each house.

A small tulip-shaped nosing glass works well here, as it concentrates the aromas at the top. At 59 percent, nose from a few centimeters away. Sticking your nose deep into the glass mostly delivers alcohol. The ideal temperature is room temperature, around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, since a cold rum closes off the nose.

A teaspoon of water changes the character. Neat, the Blanc comes across as sharp and grassy; with water, citrus and pepper open up, and the sweetness of the cane emerges. It's best to proceed drop by drop, nosing after each one, until you find your own preferred strength.

What you'll typically find: Père Labat describes its rum as showing fresh cane, pepper, citrus, and vivid minerality. Rums from Marie-Galante are generally considered more powerful, fruitier, and fresher in bouquet than other rhums agricoles. Bellevue also promotes its multiple award-winning Blancs.

After that, it's worth comparing an aged rum, such as a vintage from Père Labat or a Bielle at cask strength around 54 percent. Here the wood moves to the forefront, with the cane freshness remaining as an undertone. For guidance on assessing aged rum neat, see the article on drinking rum neat.