HSE - Habitation Saint-Etienne : Extra Vieux "Grand Millésime" Single Cask 2006

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Extra Vieux "Grand Millésime" Single Cask 2006 HSE - Habitation Saint-Etienne

Tasting

Colour
A beautiful amber depth leaning notably towards ruby, reflecting a mature ageing process without excess and an optimal balance.

Nose
A true aromatic explosion opens with the immediate dominance of intense empyreumatic notes of cocoa and coffee, accompanied by delicate hints of blond tobacco. With aeration, the profile becomes dramatically more complex: a soft veil of white pepper appears, followed by an indulgent fruity dimension revealing notes of prune, quince, dried apricot and mango. The oak gradually unfolds in all its facets, revealing a raw, resinous fibre, fresh sawdust and a pastry-like dimension underscored by subtle notes of almond.

Palate
The attack is marked by an unexpected sweetness and a silky smoothness. The oak immediately exerts a structuring influence, wrapping the palate in a blanket of spices mingled with roasted toasted bread flour. Indulgent nuts then take over, while mature cane sugar draws together dried fruits and exotic fruit juices. The whole offers a remarkably balanced texture combining power and elegance. The exceptionally long finish gradually fades on a soft bed of raw cane sugar syrup, delicately peppery spices and a lingering scent of blond tobacco.

Pairings and Tasting Moments
This exceptional spirit is best enjoyed neat, at a room temperature of between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. The use of a tulip glass or a cognac glass is recommended to concentrate the aromatic vapours. Traditionally enjoyed as a digestif after a fine meal, it pairs wonderfully with a high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), dried fruits and nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), or even a fine cigar, whose complexity will resonate with the blond tobacco notes of the rum. It is particularly well suited to occasions celebrating life's important milestones.

Mixology
Due to its extreme rarity and premium status, this vintage does not lend itself to conventional mixology applications. It is strongly recommended to enjoy it neat, without embellishment, so as not to dilute the complex aromas built up over its fifteen years of maturation.

Other Characteristics
This rum has an alcohol content of 47.8°, a concentration favouring aromatic intensity. A light dilution with a few drops of pure water may be worthwhile to reveal other aromatic facets. It comes in 50cl or 70cl formats, with a minimalist, elegant design featuring a double numbering system that individually identifies each bottle.

A Rhum Agricole AOC Martinique of Rare Elegance by Habitation Saint-Étienne

The Excellence and Heritage of HSE - Habitation Saint-Etienne
Rooted in a rich sugar-making history dating back to the early nineteenth century in Gros-Morne, HSE - Habitation Saint-Etienne stands as one of the most prestigious rum-producing houses in Martinique. Converted into an agricultural distillery in 1882 by Amédée Aubéry, the estate was rescued and revitalised in 1994 by José and Florette Hayot. Today, the property is run by the Hayot family (Groupe Bernard Hayot), with José and his father Yves Hayot at the helm. Blending ancestral tradition with contemporary creativity, the estate stands out for its innovative approach, its strict adherence to the AOC Martinique, and its deep cultural commitment. The site, listed as a historic monument, is home to a remarkable garden and exhibition spaces, combining outstanding rum production with the celebration of Martinique's heritage.

The Meticulous Crafting of the Grand Millésime 2006
The Extra Vieux "Grand Millésime" Single Cask 2006 represents one of the brand's most refined and limited expressions. This Rhum Agricole is made exclusively from freshly pressed pure cane juice, harvested during the dry season. After controlled fermentation of 24 to 48 hours, the cane wine is distilled in traditional copper Creole column stills at the Simon distillery, producing a distillate that complies with the strict regulations of the AOC Martinique.

The uniqueness of this Single Cask lies in its exceptional ageing process. Barrelled on 20 June 2006, the rum rested for fifteen full years in a single 400-litre French oak cask in Gros-Morne, under the attentive supervision of cellar master Lionel Lampin. Natural evaporation in the tropical climate, the famous "angels' share," accelerated its maturation, giving it a remarkable aromatic depth.

Bottled in October 2022, this Single Cask 2006 is a strictly limited edition. Each bottle, with its minimalist design, bears a unique double numbering identifier, guaranteeing its authenticity and traceability for collectors. This exceptional vintage perfectly embodies the house's philosophy: an absolute pursuit of excellence in the service of aromatic complexity.