Objective Notes

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

Rhum J.M V.S.O.P. strikes an attractive light reddish amber color in the sipping glass.  Take your time with J.M V.S.O.P.; it is full of complex aromas that reveal themselves slowly in hierarchical layers, and some of the last to appear are the most appealing.  Initially, you get sweet ethyl alcohol, cane grass, brown sugar, caramel and butterscotch, mildly organic, earthy, and spicy (clove, cinnamon), French oaky vanilla, herbal/leafy aromas reminiscent of musty tobacco, finally a slight bit of anise and fennel seed.  A rapid transition from smelling the delightful cacophony of aromas occurs upon the first sip as more flavors arrive somewhat unexpectedly.  It’s hard to imagine even more coming from a young spirit.  To the aromas are added flavors with a definite agricole personality and quite distinct from the aromas, including white pepper, American oak, and charcoal notes. The medium-heavy body is slightly oily, its flavors spread slowly over the palate.  J.M’s V.S.O.P. finishes beautifully too, its deep flavors linger until you have another taste, with more pronounced anise and semi-sweet chocolate.

Anecdotal Notes

It’s not the packaging that attracts people to Rhum J.M, it’s the quality inside.  Aged with craftsmanship to near-perfection in American and French Limuosin Oak casks for 4-5 years before bottling.  Presentation is typical old-fashioned J.M, with a  humble dark green glass bottle topped off natural cork stopper under heavy black foil.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave - J.M’s VSOP Rhum delivers the full agricole intrigue; a wealthy suite of complex aromas yet soft on the nose, a full body that permeates slowly, and an extremely long lasting finish.  New flavors await you at every patient step along the tasting journey.  It’s a wonderful sipping rhum, all the more so considering its aged about five years – not so long even by Martinique’s standards.

Roger - I found J.M’s blend of 4-5 year old rhum to have fresh aromas and pleasing flavors. Its dark amber color and nice bottle round out the total package. Imbibe on the rocks or neat. Although most rhum from Martinique isn’t inexpensive, the quality is almost always excellent, as is the case here, so I recommend adding a bottle to your collection.

Taster's Rating:  Dave - 9 Flasks; Roger – 8.5 Flasks

Most recently tasted by: Dave, January 2010 and Roger, April 2010 at RnD’s South and North tasting rooms, USA.