Some rums are best enjoyed on their own, without being mixed with other liquids or solid ingredients. These rums are best savored neat, served at room temperature or slightly chilled, perhaps with a few drops of water to mellow the heat.
A rum aged in Aubagne in barrels that previously held Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. This gives it a dark color and great complexity, with aromas of eucalyptus, Oolong tea, mandarin, fresh grapes, and waxed wood. On the palate, the alcohol (47%) provides structure yet remains smooth. It is clean, fruity (grapefruit), and slightly pastry-like, reminiscent of a lovely dessert featuring roasted pear, vanilla ice cream, and caramel. The finish, with notes of cedar and licorice, adds complexity, freshness, and elegance.
94/100
€48
Santa Teresa - 1796 Chuao Cacao Cask Finish, Venezuela
After aging using the solera method, the rum rests for nine months in American oak barrels that have been infused for six months with a maceration of Chuao cacao. This is evident right from the nose, where you can detect freshly roasted cocoa beans, dark chocolate, and fresh almonds, all with a tangy sensation that already makes your mouth water. A few hints of raisins and candied orange peel are added. On the palate, the texture is light at first, with lovely pronounced bitter notes and red chili, reminiscent of hot Aztec chocolate. The salty, spicy finish carries through smoothly. A rum with character and roundness.
92/100
€59
Rivière du Mât - XO, Réunion
The nose reveals rich notes of caramelized brown sugar, dried apricot, vanilla, blond tobacco, a forest walk, and a bouquet of jasmine. The palate offers a balanced profile where roundness and alcohol harmonize to create a warm, robust rum that nevertheless retains plenty of elegance, richness, and even a hint of tartness. The finish, with notes of licorice and eucalyptus, carries us far away. A powerful yet smooth rum, full of light.
92/100
€59
Karukera - Empyrhum Profile #1, Réunion
A nose reminiscent of winter, with medicinal remedies featuring camphor, Tiger Balm, hot orange juice with cinnamon and cloves, all wrapped in a hint of chocolate. The palate initially gives the sensation of tasting a peaty whiskey with character, but apricot and dried peach bring a slight sweetness that brings us back to the world of rum. A full-bodied texture, with a spicy and smoky finish that takes you on a journey and ends on an energetic note. Surprisingly, a rib of beef cooked over vine shoots makes for a delicious pairing.
91/100
€84
Matoutou - Totorom, Guadeloupe
The warm nose already hints at the 60.5% ABV, expressing aromas of nuts, chocolate, dried apricot, marmalade, and cola. On the palate, it’s inevitably powerful, but the texture is round and helps integrate the alcohol. There is an enveloping sensation with notes of orange, stewed mango, and pine for freshness. The finish brings interesting bitter notes of licorice and dark chocolate. A true experience.
91/100
€65 for 50 cl
Nazca - French Caribbean, France
Distilled in the French West Indies and then aged for four years in the cellars of the Rozelieures distillery in Lorraine, the nose is surprisingly reminiscent of a whiskey, with peat and grains, until green mango and pear make their presence known. A light, salty texture with hints of fresh grapes. The finish returns to peat. Ideal for whiskey lovers and especially as an aperitif.
90/100
€35
Eminente - Gran Reserva Edition No. 2, Cuba
Finished in barrels that previously held Sauternes, this rum gives an initial sweet-and-salty impression. Aromas of curry and pine accompany buckwheat honey, chocolate, and prune. On the palate, the barrel aging stands out with notes of coconut and dried apricot, then the richness settles in like a lovely canelé for afternoon tea. A long, elegant finish balancing sweetness and spice.
90/100
€80
Island Signature - Yellow Snake, Jamaica
The nose offers an initial impression of richness centered on dried pineapple and peach compote, followed by a hint of smoke. On the palate, the attack is light, and the texture remains smooth throughout the tasting. It is the aroma that gives it its personality, with notes of raisins, overripe banana, and even a slight petrol-like quality. An ideal cuvée for those new to the very distinctive Jamaican rums.
