Tasting

What does Rhum agricole blanc taste like? Fresh, of freshly cut sugarcane, green grass, white blossoms and a hint of pepper. Sweetness barely plays a role, the palate feels dry, and the finish stays short and clean.

JM bottles a rhum blanc at 50% ABV that shows the cane from the slopes of Montagne Pelée. A JM XO at 45% ABV represents the mature side: wood, spice, with still a trace of grass behind it. Saint-James from Sainte-Marie also bottles both blanc and aged rums. As a counterpoint to all three, a Grand arôme from the Baie du Galion offers its syrup and pastry notes.

A tulip-shaped nosing glass captures the volatile aromas well. First nose it without plunging your nose deep into the glass, since at 50% ABV the alcohol can sting. The glass should be at room temperature, which allows the grass and blossom notes to unfold best. A glass with a narrow opening holds the aromas together and shows the gap between blanc and vieux more clearly than a wide tumbler, from which they escape quickly. Especially the first time, it's worth spending several minutes with the aroma before taking the first small sip.

A few drops of water open up the strong blanc and soften the alcohol. The vieux can be taken neat, usually at 40 to 45% ABV. If tasting the syrup notes of the Grand arôme, compare it directly with a dry Agricole: the contrast immediately shows what juice and what molasses contribute.