Chamarel Premium Rum Mauritius 92 Points

Chamarel Premium Rum Mauritius 92 Points

Not even a decade ago it was very rare to find pure sugar cane juice distilled as rum in Mauritius, also know as "rhum agricole", (aka agricultural rum) as back then the majority of rum made were those produce as a by product of sugar production, i.e distilled molasses, also know as "rhum industrielle" (Industrial Rum)

There is simply no comparison between the two, the one produce from molasses are a much coarser spirits, rough edges and fiery, best with coke or tropical fruit juice!!

However the one produce from distilled pure sugar cane juice, for a very long time the best kept secret of the finest rum from the Caribbean and Reunion Island, at least for the top distillers, one of my long time favorite is Clement from Martinique island in the Caribbean.

It has taken Mauritius a while to start making premium rum, but they have catch up big time and now some serious spirits, world class in quality are being distilled, a must have and try for anyone visiting the island, but equally for any well respected hotel beverage program.

I did not have the time last November in my flash tour of 3 days to visit any of the distillery, but will do next time, however I was amazed by the selection available at the departure duty free shop at the airport.

If you think Green Island is the best rum produce in Mauritius, wait until you have tasted the premium rum of Chamarel, this represent far better value (18 Euros for two 50 cl bottle, elegantly presented, akin to some designer vodka from Scandinavia)

Bright, pale white.
Clean, impressive purity, high intensity akind to a cross of top Cachaca (Germana brand is a fine example) and the best Caribbean drops, you can smell the sugar cane in this one, fruity, delicate lemon oil, fresh, layered complexity, subtle volcanic note.

Dry with a full attack, yet are round and creamy with soft edges, almost sweet, peppery mid palate, long and persistent, 50% abv proof gives and leaves a serious punch and bursting with flavor, harmonious, seductive, simply world class.

Can be enjoyed on its own as a digestifs, lightly chilled, like an eau de vie, use the hand palm to warm it up and sip slowly or alternatively will make a killer Mojito or lemon punch, known as "Ti Punch".
A must buy.