Objective Notes

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

Clément Vieux V.S.O.P. presents itself as a blend of amber and mahogany colors. A distinctive nose reveals aromas of fresh cut cane, almonds, cinnamon, a nicely understated oakiness and vanilla, slight char, and milk chocolate.  Overall it is light and mild on the nose – more delicate than we’ve come to expect from many agricole rhums.  A bold and dry first taste quickly introduces you to a medium to heavyweight body with notable agricole cane taste, roasted sweet potato, cinnamon, buttery vanilla, and dried plums. It hangs in the mouth a short while before giving way to a more powerful finish of anise, black licorice, and spice that is only slightly sweet.  It departs like it began, dry and bold with a long and semi-sweet spicy fade. The overall experience from sniffing to sipping reveals a rhum that is a bit more complex from start to finish than expected.

Anecdotal Notes - Clément Vieux V.S.O.P. Rhum is distilled from fresh cut cane from the tropical habitation Clément on Martinique. The cane juice is fermented 2-3 days naturally and the resulting sugar cane wine or vesou is distilled to 144 proof. Its put into new French oak barrels for over 1 year where it gleans the strong characteristics of an unused barrel. It spends another 3 years re-charred bourbon barrels to finish its  aging process. 

For a brief history of Rhum Clément, click here.

The bottle is wide, medium height, and has a slight taper. It has a heavy glass bottom and nice weight. It has a natural cork stopper under heavy foil seal – always a welcome classy touch.

Tasters Opinion

Roger – Clément Vieux V.S.O.P. is a very good agricole rhum that is distinct and complex. Considering it’s reasonable price you shouldn’t feel guilty indulging. I enjoy it neat or on the rocks and would recommend adding this to your collection as it’s different from many of the agricole rhums I’ve found in this price range. It’s now more widely available in the USA.

Dave – Consider adding Clément VSOP as a staple for your collection.  Suitably complex in aroma and flavor, this is an agricole you can enjoy over and over again.  Clement VSOP is one of those rare rums that always tastes fresh yet distinguished, consistently rewarding the connoisseur without asking being fussy or demanding much from your pocketbook.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):

Roger - 8.0 Flasks

Dave -  8.5 Flasks

Most recently tasted by: Roger and Dave, February, 2010 at RnD's South and North tasting rooms, USA 

*750ml unless otherwise stated.