Overview
Brand: Rhum JM, Atelier Range series
Origin: Distillerie J.M., Macouba, Martinique, France
Still: Column
Age: 2 years
Finish: ex-Bourbon & French Limousin
ABV: 42%
Next in our journey through Rhum JM's Atelier Series is a rhum that eschews the heavy emphasis on spice for a more nuanced focus on fruits.
Jardin Fruité ("Fruit garden") is once again a blend of creole column-distilled, sugarcane juice-based rhums, produced at Distillerie JM in Martinique. For this expression, ex-Bourbon and French oak casks were selected, having been aged at least 2 years and featured fruit-forward elements– not a note I frequently find in younger rhum vieux agricole. This was bottled at a modest 42% ABV.
For transparency, this bottle was provided to me by a brand representative, with no obligation other than to enjoy the rum.
Appearance
Amber, low viscosity
Nose
Toasted sugarcane, fresh raspberries, warm strawberry compote, Red Vine licorice, smoked paprika
Palate
Toasted sugarcane, raspberries, cooked strawberries, nutmeg, black peppercorn
Finish
Medium, fruity, spiced; cooked red berries, nutmeg, vanilla, black peppercorn
Rating: 7/10
Summary
Upon just nosing the rhum, Jardin Fruité instantly demonstrates the fruitiness of the profile for which it is named. Lots of red fruit notes are married with traditional rhum vieux agricole spiciness, leading to a more refined character than one may expect for such a young rhum.
Sugarcane, lightly toasted, intermixes with raspberries and strawberries in various forms throughout sampling the rhum, leading the different stages. Red Vines come out strongly on the nose, but don't show up when tasting, similar to the smoked paprika. Nutmeg and black peppercorn are the other standouts as I taste through this, while vanilla joins the party on the back end of the finish.
I like this one, and would consider picking up a bottle to use as a component in a modern Mai Tai recipe. A fun profile that really connects to the fruitier end of the agricole spectrum.