Haiti's Rhum Barbancourt is not only the island's largest and oldest rum distillery, it is also steeped in history and tradition, with its roots in Cognac-making.

The distillery's rums are made stylistically heavily influenced by Cognac-making in its distillation and also the casks used to mature its rums, namely the use of French Limousin oak which are typically used for Cognac aging.

Nonetheless the distillery seems to be finally flipping the script with some unique cask finishings including a Mizunara cask finish titled "Cane Blossom", and also a Peated Whisky Cask Finish.

For the Rhum Barbancourt Cane Blossom, the rum was only just distilled in 2023, and then aged for 3 months in Japanese oak barrels.

"Cane Blossom is the perfect blend between our pure cane juice Rhum and Japanese Mizunara Oak. This unique oak variety grows in the Hokkaido forests and only reaches maturity after over two centuries, making it one of the rarest essences on the planet. The Mizunara offers our Rhum a beautifully golden color. The nose is a refined combination of the freshness of our cane with the floral and aromatic scents of the Mizunara. The mouthfeel is smooth and round following the nose notes with added sugary expressions of white fruits. The finish is soft but long."

This appears to be a white rum bottled at 45% ABV, with only 1,800 bottles released.

The Peated Whisky Cask Finish is aged 15 Years, making use of an Islay Whisky Cask, having been distilled in 2008, and bottled at 46.7% ABV, with a total of 2,500 bottles to be released.

"From one volcanic island to another: Volcanic Cane reflects the perfect blend of two volcanic terroirs, the Haitian Cane and the legendary Peat of Islay. After a long ageing in ex-Cognac casks, several months in ex-Bourbon casks, the rhum ended its journey in ex-Islay's Peated Whisky casks.

Bottled cask strength, Volcanic Cane presents a beautiful copper color and nose where delicate spices harmoniously blend with the peat and smoky flavors. Round and smooth mouthfeel, following the nose notes. Long and complex finish opening on dried fruits."

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial