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Holmes Cay Réunion Island Agricole Rum No. 2
Over the years, I had only had a couple of opportunities to try rums from Réunion Island. So, it was a pleasant surprise when I had the opportunity to sample this new release from Holmes Cay. Réunion Island is 585 miles (942 kilometers) from Madagascar, is part of the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean and is considered a region of France. This tropical island is known for its tropical rainforest, dormant volcanoes, and Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano that adventure seekers enjoy climbing. The Rhum industry on the island is strong, with three distilleries and, like Martinique, its own geographic indicator. This Rhum Agricole was produced at the Distillerie de Savanna of Réunion Island using fermented cane juice that was distilled using the company’s Savalle column still. The rhum was then transported and bottled in New York State at 50% ABV.
Holmes Cay Réunion Island Agricole Rum No. 2
Appearance
The 750 ml short neck bottle has a green label that provides basic information about the rhum. In the bottle and glass, the liquid is crystal clear. Swirling the liquid in the tasting glass created a thin band that thickened slightly before dropping a single wave of slow-moving legs down the side of the glass. The ring and legs evaporated quickly, leaving behind a ring of pebbles around the glass.
Nose
The aroma of the rhum provided notes of green pepper and olive brine. After the liquid rested for a few minutes, I discovered notes of spearmint, eucalyptus, and earthy cane grass in the profile.
Palate
Sipping the rhum delivered a rush of sweet vanilla and grassy sugar cane flavors, along with a rush of alcohol around the tongue. Additional sips delivered the pepper and mint notes discovered in the aroma, along with a hint of salt and minerals. The sweetness from the cane and the mineral notes form and linger in a nice, long finish.
Review
I found the flavors in this product interesting and have experienced some of them in other unaged Agricole products I have evaluated in the past. The salt/brine and mineral notes were a particular point of distinction, while the green pepper notes, were not enjoyable for me personally. I could see where others would get a kick out of those notes in their sipping experience. Together, this flavor combination works and holds up nicely in a Tí punch. For those who enjoy the flavor combination, this is an easy sipping rhum and is more than capable of providing a good twist on cocktails that call for an Agricole Rhum. Moderately priced, look for this rhum at any place that carries the Holmes Cay line.
