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

J.Bally’s 7 year old rhum shows beautiful clarity and reddish gold mahogany color. Due to prolonged aging in oak beyond the time most agricole rhums are bottled, Pyramide delivers complex aromas and a greater depth of character.  The rhum is highly aromatic and spicy sweet on the nose.  Caramelized sugar cane, oak, and allspice are primary, with lesser amounts  of butterscotch, clove, vanilla, fresh tobacco, and just the right amount of alcohol to lightly vaporize the scents out of your snifter.  You can literally smell the musty age.  Initial tasting reveals more complex character, new flavors and a light creamy texture that is at once pleasant and uncommon among agricole rhums, with sweet oak, tobacco, vanilla and wood bark to compound interest.  A medium weight body leads transitions to sweet, lingers briefly, then ultimately overlaid with an inviting semi-dry finish.

Anecdotal Notes
J.Bally produces some of the oldest aged agricole rhums on Martinique, with quality and flavors to match.  With the closing of the original distillery in the Carbet district in 1989, J. Bally Rhum production has since been moved to the Simon distillery, maker of several other fine agricole rhums.  The unique three-sided pyramid shaped bottle makes an interesting conversation piece on any rhum collector’s shelf.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave:  J.Bally 7 ans d’age Pyramide is worth collecting for its extra aging and fine flavors as well as the unique bottle. Difficult to find for purchase outside of the French West Indies, the rhum has developed somewhat of a niche cult presence among a few very upscale bars in metropolitan vacation areas that boast unique spirits.  Despite the steep prices charged by such trendy establishments, don’t pass up a rare opportunity to try a glass or two of Bally’s Pyramide.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 9 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave  in June 2009 on St. Martin, and in August 2009 at RnD's South tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.