|
By: David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 12/13/2016 | Send Email
When I first nosed this cask I knew immediately that we had to have it. It's full-strength-full tilt Agricole aged in NEW AMERICAN OAK. The perfect crossover to get bourbon people into Agricole Rhum WITHOUT sacrificing authenticity. On first nosing, you get a strong, dry oak tannin, but a moment later the dry feeling is gone and a spectacular complexity arises from the glass. This baby loves air. Deep dark spices, kola nut, mahogany, flambéed orange peel. The palate is vibrant, with subtle funk of Agricole never lost around the rich oak spice, powerful tropical fruit, and long dry finish. BUT WAIT, add one tiny drop of water -this thing is cask strength after all - and this little puppy explodes. Gone are the dark oak tannins and replaced with candied orange peel, sweet Tahitian vanilla, and this underlying topicality that's so inviting. On the palate it explodes with rich exotic spices, marzipan, ginger, coffee, and salted fruits. Sometimes adding water breaks rum as it does with many brandies, but in this case it reacts much like a fine single malt. Without a doubt one of the finest cane spirits we've ever had on our shelves at any price point. A legend by all accounts.
|