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Clairin Casimir Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum

Clairin Casimir Single Estate Haitian Sugarcane Juice Rum

$64.99

Fulfillment times vary, for estimated turnaround times

Availability by location

New York City: 6 | San Francisco: 5 | Main Warehouse: 2

DO
David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

K&L Buyer
The Clairin Casimir is truly one of my favorite spirits in the store of any kind. Understanding why these rums (the Clairins) are so special is as easy as pouring that first glass. But appreciating the incredible story behind these wonderful rums, true products of place, makes the sensory experience all that much more impressive. To compare the Clairins to single village mezcal is appropriate and even comparing the actual products to Agave isn't a big stretch. Instead of smoke we get a deep rancio funk in the background, but the structure and attitude of the spirit is similar. The nose on the Casimir is one of the most complex of any white spirit I've ever experienced. Deep tones of savory tomato puree, black olives, salted roasted herring and dense dried herbal characters are pointed by hints of ripe tropical fruit, citrus, sweet tea and grass. On the palate, the overwhelming savory quality takes a back seat and the gorgeous fruit aromas come through. Bright citrus peel, strong ginger and cassia notes. Not nearly as dark and brooding as the nose might imply. The whole thing stays wonderfully balanced and precise with salty citrus being the prominent quality to the end.

Staff Reviews

KM
Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

My first instinct when I tasted Mezcal was to run away. I loved the much cleaner vegetal and spice tones of Tequila. But my tastes have evolved and I would take a Mezcal over a Tequila almost any day of the week (almost). That first nose on the Casimir sent those same waves down my spine. My mind was discombobulated and the fight or flight instinct arose. I fought and spending even a few more minutes time with it, the savory meaty qualities of this intriguing rum emerged and I was hooked. Aromas of Kalamata olives, cured ham, leeks and ginger engaged my senses and this jumped to the head of the class of one of the coolest and most interesting things I've tasted this year. This is not for the uninitiated but fans of Mezcal and Islay whisky will have an easy time dropping into the Caribbean and feeling right at home.

Notes

The incredible Casimir Distillery is perhaps the most intriguing and unusual in the Maison Velier portfolio. The village of Barraderes is located in the Haiti's Nippes province on the shores the Caribbean ocean. The tiny village has no restaurants, bars, or much else by way of commerce, but does boast 13 independent distillers who cultivate cane and distill rhum from its fresh juices. Douglas Casimir Distillery, led by the wonderful Faubert Casimir, is set on 50 hectares of mango, palm, banana, and primarily lime groves. Planted around the trees are acres of Hawaii Blanche and Rouge, an heirloom soft cane, cultivated by hand and fermented in wooden vats in open conditions. The hand made pot still seems out of another era, but produces one of the most unique and delicious spirits in the world. The one secret to the magic, besides the incredible terroir and wild conditions, is that Faubert uses his fruits, herbs, and vegetables in the ferment to augment the flavors. Some batches might include citronella, cinnamon bark or even ginger. There are few spirits better suited to mix with in the store and few white spirits achieve this level of complexity on their own. Serve it straight, chilled with a side of jicama dusted in celery salt, in a Hemingway Daiquiri or in a Bloody Mary. There's just nothing like it.

Details

TypeRum
VarietalRum
OriginHaiti
Bottle Size750 mL
SKU1368563