A term for a cocktail that has made its reputation around the world: the mojito. However, Cuban rum is available in many terroirs resulting in very aromatic eaux-de-vie from island canes. This wealth enabled the ron cubano to experience an exceptional year in 2022 (4.6 million cases sold). And above all a move upmarket with an unprecedented premium dynamism that benefits the various distilleries on the island. In this jungle of offers, the Express offers you a choice that exalts the typicality of a historic terroir.
RUMS
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1.Santiago de Cuba 11 years old (40%)
Produced in the Oriente region, this extra side is a worthy representative of so-called rums light, which are the Cuban trademark. A classic, therefore, with its touches of vanilla and tropical fruits boosted by spicy hints that underline a lingering finish. 44 €
2. Havana Club 15 years old (40%)
This rare blend of rums aged in white oak barrels for at least fifteen years illustrates the strong potential of ron cubanos premium. Very fruity, served by tannins of rare finesse, it also offers an aromatic palette that oscillates between notes of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, spices… A marvel. 195 €
On whisky.fr
3. Eminent Reserved 7 years (40%)
Created in 2020, this rum quickly carved out a solid reputation under the leadership of César Marti, the youngest maestro ronero from the island. He did not hesitate to break the codes by injecting 70% aguardientes into his blend. The result is of remarkable complexity and aromatic depth. €49.90
4. La Hechicera Reserva Familiar (40%)
Recently available in France, this Colombian rum, produced under the solera system, is a blend of molasses eaux-de-vie aged 12 to 21 years. Lots of freshness, however, with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, white pepper and cocoa. A great discovery. 53 €
5. Isautier Caramelized Mango Arranged (37%)
The latest reference from an arranged rum pioneer. As always, the terroir of La Réunion is in the spotlight with, as guest of honour, the mango. The emblematic fruit of the island is enhanced by this alliance with caramel which brings a nice roundness to this arrangement with summer flavors. €16.90 (50 cl).
Retail
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6. La Mauny Spiced Rum (40%)
This association between a Martinican agricultural rum and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.) develops a perfect balance. The strong character of the sugar cane eau-de-vie is counterbalanced by the sweetness provided by the aromatics. A treat from start to finish. 30 €
Retail
7. Zacapa La Armonia (40%)
This rum from Guatemala is aged at 2,300 meters above sea level after being made in four different barrels with a solera system. A limited edition with a silky texture and complex aromatics: notes of sherry, caramel and nuts. 99 €
wine merchants
8. Angostura Tamboo Spiced Rum (40%)
The latest expression from the only distillery on the island of Trinidad. Cloves, cinnamon and cardamom enrich an amber rum and give it exuberant spicy touches. A real liquid pastry with the taste of marzipan. 32 €
9. JM Rum Macouba garden (53.4%)
A must in the agricultural white rum category. The long fermentation of its cane juice before distillation explains its remarkable delicacy and length in the mouth. Its aromatic palette of competitive beast, lemon zest, white pepper, star anise, exotic fruits, transforms a Ti’punch. 36 €
wine merchants
WHISKEYS
10. Kingsbarns Doocot (46%)
This Scottish single malt from the Lowlands region, distilled from local barley, was aged in bourbon casks and rejuvenated Portuguese red wine barrels, then toasted. Floral notes and red summer fruits make it a pleasant refreshing whisky. 54 €
wine merchants
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11. The Balvenie The Sweet Toast of American Oak 12 years (43%)
Signed Kelsey McKechnie, one of the youngest Master Distiller in the world, this very fruity new expression has benefited from a finish six months in virgin American oak barrels after aging for twelve years in ex-bourbon barrels. Perfect balance between vanilla, citrus fruits and spices. 75 €
12.Waterford Cuvee Argot (47%)
Cantor of terroir whiskeys, Mark Reynier releases new cuvées with metronomic rigor. The last is a blend of Single Farm Origin which made the reputation of Waterford. Lots of liveliness and freshness traversed by aromas of fruit, spices and cocoa. A highly digestible malted eau-de-vie. €59.90
On whisky.fr
13. Benjamin Kuentz House With Vine Particles #7 (47%)
Each year, the French whiskey publisher publishes a unique expression of its tribute collection to great French wines. This results from the assembly of three single-malts (from Brittany for one, from the Great East for the other two) refined in the barrels of a Premier Grand Cru Classé of Bordeaux. A gourmet tannic blend with its aromas of red fruits, honey and almond. 85 €
OTHER SPIRITS
14. Dartigalong Un-Oaked Armagnac (43.2%)
This Blanche Armagnac not aged in oak barrels, hence its translucent color, was distilled from Baco, Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche grape varieties. Its creamy texture highlights its aromas of apple, pear and floral notes. To be enjoyed neat or as a tonic. 40 €
wine merchants
15. Nikka Coffey Vodka (40%)
Signed by the Japanese house renowned for its whiskies, this vodka is made in a Coffey still from corn and barley distilled separately before being assembled. Filtration is based on white birch charcoal. A Japanese sophistication for an eau-de-vie that gives its full potential in cocktails. €39.90
wine merchants
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16. Nocheluna Sotol (43%)
A distant cousin of mezcal, sotol was born in the Chihuahua desert, which stretches between northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Distilled from the heart of Dasylirion wheeleri, a thorny bush, this eau-de-vie remained unpublished in France. It delivers elegant smoky notes streaked with flashes of mint and chilli. To discover. 80 €
wine merchants
17. The Lost Explorer Mezcal (42%)
A discovery of the Maison Villevert (Cîroc, G’Vine). This artisanal mezcal made from 8-year-old Espadin agaves harvested by Oaxacan producers committed to a sustainable development approach. This expression, from a range also including a 10 and a 12 year old, is tailor-made for lovers of herbaceous and smoky notes. 75 €
wine merchants
18. Isle de France Distillery Spring gin (42.5%)
Strawberries and rhubarb were fermented, plants (pink berry, elderflower) macerated for this gin produced by a young distillery based in Seine-et-Marne. Its ambition is to use exclusively local raw materials. This very fruity eau-de-vie can be enjoyed neat with an ice cube. 45 €
On distillery-isle-de-france.fr
19. Hedonist Cognac liquor (29%)
A subtle blend of cognac and a liqueur based on infusions and distillates of plants and fruits, such as ginger or vanilla. Woody then slightly bitter notes enhanced by aromas of citrus fruits (lime) and vanilla. The followers of no low will appreciate. Delicious with a tonic. €41.90
On whisky.fr
20. Limoncello Mama Mia! (24%)
The creators of the excellent amaretto Adriatico do it again with a limoncello made from organic lemon zest, Italian grain alcohol, raw cane sugar and peppermint leaves. A reduced sugar content gives pride of place to the scents of lemon titillated by touches of pepper. A good dessert! 32 €
wine merchants