Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/735312
CATEGORY REPORT If you're searching for a handmade, American rum brimming with character that's greatly affected by its terroir, then look no further than the inimitable Bayou Rum l'Esprit de la Louisiane, an original that can't be duplicated. Produced at the state-of-the-art Bayou Rum Distillery in Lacassine, Louisiana, the brand is made from sugarcane grown in the nutrient-rich topsoil of the Mississippi Delta around Iberia Parish. The supremely flavorful wild molasses and raw sugar mix- ture is sourced exclusively from M.A. Patout & Sons' Enterprise Factory of Iberia Parish. The molasses is fermented through the addition of spring water and naturally occur- ring strains of sugarcane yeast. Following fermentation, the wash is double-distilled in copper pot stills in order to leave as much of its inherent flavor and personality intact. No additives or flavor-enhancers are used in production, largely because none are needed. It is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). Bayou Silver Rum is bottled fresh and unadulterated directly after it exits the still. While most silver rums are best suited for use in drink-making, Bayou Silver Rum has so much unique personality that you'd be doing yourself a disservice not tasting it neat first before adding it to your favorite cocktails. It has pristine clarity, a satin-textured body and a floral bouquet with light citrus and banana aromas. The rum's strong suit is its delectable palate, an amalgamation of baking spices, molasses, vanilla, cacao and anise. Its finish is long and flavorful. To craft the distillery's Bayou Select Barrel Reserve Rum, a portion of the Bayou Silver Rum pro- duced is diverted to the distillery's solera for maturation, the barrels of which are made of charred American white oak. There the rum will stay for up to four years until Master Blender Reiniel Vicente deems the rum is ready for bottling. The deep amber colored Bayou Select is a national treasure, a rum of distinction and authentic charm. Its generous aromatic signature includes notes of caramel, nut- meg, cinnamon and allspice. On the palate, the rum delivers waves of flavor—smoky char, coffee, dark chocolate, banana, cherries, roasted nuts and anise. Bayou Rum–let the good times roll! LOUISIANA SPIRIT CO. BAYOU RUM l'Esprit de la Louisiane 104 / the tasting panel / october 2016 CATEGORY REPORT