Overview
Brand: Habitation Saint-Etienne
Origin: Distillerie du Simon, Le François, Martinique, France
Still: Column
Age: Unaged
Finish: n/a
ABV: 55%
Today, we are reviewing another of Martinique's great AOC Rhum Agricoles. HSE, or Habitation Saint-Etienne, is today "only" a brand, but previously was its own distilling estate until its decline in the 1980s. In 1994, the estate was taken over by Yves and José Hayot, who began a revitalization of the grounds and the HSE brand itself.
Under ownership of his holding company Holmex, Yves Hayot, older brother of Bernard Hayot of GBH (holding company of Spiribam and Rhum JM and Clément), moved the stills to Distillerie du Simon during this transition. Simon is now the site of production for the HSE brand, as well as Clément, but not for aging– that still takes place at the HSE estate itself.
HSE Blanc 55º doesn't need those facilities, however, as it is a completely unaged AOC rhum agricole. Distilled from a base of cane juice through a Creole column still at Simon, this rhum was proofed to 55% ABV before bottling. I picked this up while in Boston at the liquor chain Gordon's.
Appearance
Clear, low viscosity
Nose
Fresh-pressed sugarcane, vanilla bean, black peppercorn
Palate
Fresh sugarcane, vanilla bean, hint of star anise, black pepper, green bell pepper
Finish
Long, warm, grassy; fresh sugarcane, black pepper, green bell pepper skin, vanilla bean, star anise
Rating: 7/10
Summary
Along other over-50% ABV blanc rhum agricoles I've had, I quite enjoy Rhum HSE Blanc. While it's fairly simple, it hits its marks, and is elevated by the higher proof.
Fresh-pressed sugarcane, vanilla bean, black pepper, and star anise are the dominant notes I get through my tasting experience. Green bell pepper appears on the rear palate and finish, adding a bit of vegetal quality to an otherwise cane-forward rhum.
As always with blanc rhum agricole, you can't go wrong by putting this in a Ti' Punch; I intend to utilize the remainder of my bottle in that very same cocktail. I would suggest Rhum HSE if you find it and are in need of a powerful blanc.
Recommended Cocktails
- Ti' Punch (Traditional recipe, Martinique)