Objective Notes

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

J. M Agricole Vieux Rhum is dark amber in color with a reddish tone which hints at some complexity to follow. A multifaceted aroma entwines vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, mace (nutmeg), cinnamon, clove, light oak, faint alcohol, and a pleasing amount of smoke. A delightful nose keeps you preoccupied as you search for more flavors. Tasting elicits an initial semi-sweet flavor that gives way quickly to a light woody oak texture, fresh tobacco and anise, then a little peppery spice. It boasts a full body with a nice heavy mouth feel, warmth, sweet spiciness but dry. The finish is slightly lighter but long, showing sweet anise, spicy sweetness, and smooth.

Anecdotal Notes

Roger and Dave were introduced to J.M Agricole Vieux Rhum 1997 a few years ago at the 2007 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition in New Orleans. The rhum begins as freshly cut sugarcane between mid-march and the end of June. It’s milled within the hour of cutting locking in the freshness and quality. It’s distilled at the Habitation Bellevue which is situated in the North East of the island of Martinique, at the foot of Mount Pelee. Aged a minimum of 10 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels and presented in short round bottles with an antiqued style label with a drawing of the rhum plantation on the coast of Martinique. Topped off with a cork and plastic cap.

Around 2004 J.M Rhum was purchased by Clément. According to Benjamin Melin Jones, a 4th generation Clément family member and Managing Director of Rhum Clement in the USA, “J.M is completely separate from Clément, despite the fact we bought J.M I believe in 2004. What is totally different then what has happened in the recent past in Martinique (2 major companies have purchased other rhum producers and consolidated production), we have left the Crassous de Medeuil (the last owners of more than 5 generations) completely in charge of their own production. Our "investment" into J.M was simply done to save one of the island's iconic brands from bankruptcy. We came on board and made the necessary improvements needed for the production, cellars, etc.” We’re happy they did as now J.M Rhums are being sold outside of Martinique and France. Benjamin goes on to say “This takes a lot of pressure off of them and allows them to make the rhums we all agree J.M should be making. We are working hard with them to rebuild their older aged stocks, thus I don’t have a lot of very old rhums to sell from J.M these days”.

Taster’s Opinion

Roger - J.M Agricole Vieux 1997 Rhum is real treat for the senses. The aroma reminds me of walking through the large open-air spice market in St. George’s, Grenada. It’s complexity rewards your senses with each whiff and sip you take. I highly recommend you purchase this rhum as it’s now available outside of France and Martinique. Although available, it’s rare, so don’t wait or you’ll regret it when it’s gone.

Dave - J.M.’s Vintage 1997 Rhum presents truly mouth watering aromas that evoke memories of my dear Grandmother’s prolific kitchen with her pumpkin pie baking in the oven, accurate down to the melt-in-your-mouth flaky crust and the cinnamon and clove spicing – only sweeter!  J.M. strikes me as a humble distillery producing superior quality rhum, one that prefers to allow the quality of their products to speak for itself.  And we are all the better for them.  Merci beaucoup!

Most recently tasted by: Roger and Dave in November, 2009 at RnD's North and South tasting rooms in USA.

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