Clairin Vaval Haitian Rum - 2018
Item # 38095
750mL
Tasting Notes
Fritz Vaval is the second generation running this family owned distillery, having taken over for his father who founded it in 1940. Here he dedicates himself to the time honored traditions of Clairin. This natural spirit is made from the Madame Meuze species of cane which is fermented naturally with wild yeasts from the fresh pressed juice shortly after harvest. The spirit is distilled to proof in pot stills. The rum is floral, herbaceous and saline with notes that really evoke the terroir and bring the land to life in your glass. You can almost feel the sunshine radiating from the spirit. On the palate the rum is sharp, focused and precise but very easy to sip at the same time. A generous offering from an exceptional producer.
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Staff Pick Notes
Throw out everything you think you know about rum or even rhum agricole when you taste this. Clairin would actually be the name of the category here. Clairin is a white distillate made from fermented sugar cane juice from the Highlands of Haiti. If rhum agricole is agriculture rum, then Clairin is a kind of artisan rum. In that way it shares more of a kinship with Mezcal. SO many spirits are produced on such a huge scale, there is not much room for a truly handmade product. Clairin is just that, made by a guy with a wood-fired pot still. One time through the still and that is the proof. No water added, nothing but the pure distillate. For me, drinking this brought me back to being a kid: the slightly sweet vegetal notes were like falling into an overgrown herb garden with my mouth open.
- JGM
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