Objective Notes
Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

10 Cane is almost clear with a very light straw hue, most likely due to its lack of aging in wood.  The aroma is fairly clean with fresh cane, hint of vanilla, and a little alcohol.  10 Cane has a light body revealing a light-peppery and slightly cane juice flavor. The finish is warm with a medium length leaving the aftertaste of fresh cane.

Anecdotal Notes
Moet Hennessy describes 10 Cane as a luxury rum.  It’s made from the first pressing of virgin Trinidad sugarcane grown specifically for rum making and not sugar production. It’s hand harvested and carefully handled and pressed quickly to ensure the best end results. I’m not sure how much of that really is important but it sounds good for marketing. It’s distilled in French pot stills in small batches again focusing on quality and control. It’s aged for a short while in French oak barrels where it has a chance to mellow. The name 10 Cane comes from the traditional method of growing cane stalks in groups of 10.  The clear squared off bottle is heavy embossed with RUM on the side, a black silk screened logo, and orange wrap around label – easily identifiable on your bartender’s shelf, but nothing collectible. It’s finished off with a cork and black plastic cap.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger - I originally tasted 10 Cane when it first came out some time ago and dismissed it as serious lacking quality especially considering the premium price. After some time and consideration I decided to give it another try after hearing it was reformulated. I’m glad I did as it’s now much better. 10 Cane is a clean tasting premium silver rum that’s best enjoyed in a cocktail where you want to enjoy the rum flavor like a Mojito or a daiquiri with lime. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks but really isn’t aged long enough to be enjoyed like that. Forget the “first press” marketing analogy to virgin olive oil; this is rum that’s made for cocktails.  10 Cane is priced competitively in the silver rum category, and I hope it will entice new people to rum.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Roger - 8 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger in April, 2008 in RnD’s north tasting room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.