We first encountered this Agricole Rum at the 2012 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.  Limited to 23,000 bottles a year, this rhum is made from fresh squeezed sugar cane that is fermented in a column still and aged one year in an open air stainless steel vat. 

Appearance/Presentation

The appearance of the bottle is distinguished in its simplicity.  The frosted bottle conceals the clear liquid.  The plastic cork is dipped in gold wax with a black ribbon and matching gold pressed seal.  The signature R is centered on the glass with details about the rum in tiny writing on the bottle.  The liquid is clear with no sign of distillate.

Nose

The rich earthy aroma rose from the glass.  It reminded me of sitting on my great grandparents front porch with the rolling fields around their home.  I found it very pleasant as I detect the smell of cane and grape, with a flare of alcohol.

Palate

As I sip the rhum, the earthy base note dominates and creates a strong foundation as the bitter citrus fruit flavor and sweet cane crashes over the top.  A slightly nutty flavor pops as a light alcohol burn resolves in the finish.

Review

Rhum St. Barth Blanc is wonderfully complex for a one year old rhum.  It does not have some of the sharp edges that I am used to experiencing with immature rhums.  It took me quite some time to capture some of the subtle flavors and, believe me, I enjoyed the exploration.  I really want to try some of the other rums in the line to experience how the flavors evolve. 

Score 9 out of 10 Tikis.

(Appearance 2, Nose 1.5, Palate 5.5)