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

Dual personality, medium amber-colored rum. Sniffing Neisson's Extra Vieux before sipping is recommended to get the most enjoyment out of this rare and special rum. Produced from sugar cane juice, as opposed to molasses, this rum exhibits a wonderful scent of vanilla coconut. That subtle aroma fools you into thinking this rum is a pussycat. Not true, mon ami! The taste immediately tells you the is a seriously flavorful rum. Pretty yet powerful, it's subtleties are almost lost in the forward, lively eruption of all that cane rum can be once the sipping begins.

Needs no ice, though its immediate up front character may make you wonder if it needs to chill out before proceeding further. Keep going, and don't even think about wasting this rum in a mixed drink. Look elsewhere for a mixing rum.

Anecdotal Notes
If you prefer agricole rums (from cane juice) over industrial (those distilled from molasses) then Neisson Extra Vieux is one you must try. It defines the category. Not perfumy sweet and full of spices or other flavors that could mask the true nature of the rum itself. Neisson Extra Vieux is bright and energetic at first, ultimately rewarding the sipper's patience as it unfolds its toasted complexity slowly, shyly revealing its character, then saying au revoir with a delicate butterscotch kiss. Once Neisson's tames your taste buds and you become more attuned to it, this rum suggests, rather than declaring, its aftertastes. Complex to appreciate, but well worth the effort.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - Neisson's Extra Viex is one of those rums I reserve for evenings when I feel a slight chill and want to settle into my rocker to enjoy its initial warm, full body hug. Not a casual rum, this takes some mental preparation to journey into its complexity. You might call it high maintenance, but I prefer to think of Neisson's Extra Vieux as an opinionated rum with a delicate personality that rewards those who are willing to accommodate its idiosyncrasy. Maybe it is best seen as an occasional friend.

One of the goals of my most recent trip to the Caribbean was to find Neisson's rum. Honestly, rum alone isn't worth a trip to the Islands, but I'm sure glad I brought some back with me.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 7 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in April and June, 2006 at RnD's South tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.