Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
Rhum Clément Canne Bleue Rhum Agricole Blanc, France (SRP $37) In and of itself, Rhum Agricole is a special product. It is officially an AOC of France, and as such can claim the title of the country's southernmost AOC. By law, the rum must be produced from sugar cane juice rather than the more typical molas- ses. "We want to make a sugarcane eau de vie," said Antoine Nixon, West Coast Brand Ambassador for Rhum Clément's parent company Spiribam. The spirit is made by introducing baker's yeast to the sugarcane juice, allow- ing it to ferment in the open air. "It must be in distillate within 72 hours in order to retain freshness," explains Nixon. It goes through one run in a traditional Creole column still before resting for three months. "Just a warning; you are about to put a 100-proof rum in your mouth," Nixon said with a smile as we prepared to taste the Rhum Clément Canne Bleue Rhum Agricole Blanc. The spirit has a subtle nose of banana and white flowers with plantains and Marcona almonds on the palate—so subtle, yet so elegant. SPIRIBAM George Remus Straight Bourbon, USA (SRP $45) George Remus' reputation as the "King of the Bootleggers" gives some splash to the name of this great whiskey. The outstand- ing quality and flavor, however, is what makes it so special. George Remus Bourbon is produced at the MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which was originally the old Seagram's distillery. The water is from the Great Miami Aquifer and is naturally filtered through sand and gravel. It is high in magnesium and calcium while being low in sulfur. Multiple high rye mash bills are blended together, giving George Remus Bourbon its spicy characteristics and added complexity. The rye is robust and excites the tongue, but there is also an element of sweetness as caramel, vanilla, and toffee pop through the rye spice for a wonderful surprise with every sip. The spiciness and sweetness happen simultaneously, causing a "layered effect" on the palate. It has a balance and complexity similar to a fine wine, which helps make George Remus Bourbon as interesting as the man who inspired the brand's name. MGP INGREDIENTS october 2017 / the tasting panel / 93 Untitled-2 1 Untitled-2 1 9/19/17 3:22 PM