HSE Blanc 55

When you open the bottle you find yourself immedeately in a cloud of pure sugar cane juice. The first sip is sweet with the sugar cane field blooming on your palate, then you taste the typical grassy and fruity citric flavours of an Agricole. Of course you feel the burn of the 55% but far less than you'd expect. However I prefer this young one in a Mojito with sweet balm and mint and a dash of sparkling water to disarm it a bit. Great Rum - if you like Agricoles!

Visited the Habitation Saint-Etienne Distillery while vacationing in Martinique. Distillery tour was closed but an open tasting bar was spectacular. HSE 2016 Blanc 50 was priced at EUR 25 at the distillery. High end bottle and label design. Traditional Rhum Agricole notes followed by grass, spices, citrus fruits and floral bouquet to your nose and palate. Strong burn at the end. Rhum Agricole lovers can easily add 2 points to my score.