Le Rhum Vieux Par Neisson

Characteristics and tasting tips for Rhum Vieux by Neisson

Tasting

Color
This spirit reveals a luminous amber color with distinctly golden hues, the result of the natural extraction of tannins from the wood during its long tropical aging. Its crystal-clear brilliance reflects a meticulous filtration process, carried out without chill filtration, thereby preserving the integrity of its complex aromas.

Nose
The first olfactory impression offers a lovely balance dominated by an elegant woodiness, gradually revealing indulgent notes of dried fruits, vanilla and honey. After a few minutes of aeration, allowing the aromatic molecules to concentrate, the palette is enriched with warm notes of butterscotch, caramel, exotic fruits, baked apples and toasted nuts.

Palate
The attack reveals a sense of authority tempered by a remarkable roundness and a velvety texture. The oak structures the whole with great mastery, allowing abundant notes of fresh sugar cane and exotic fruits to come through. The tannins, beautifully integrated, are accompanied by complex flavors evoking cherry liqueur, burnt caramel, brown sugar and vanilla, reflecting the contribution of the bourbon barrels.

Pairings and tasting moments
This rum is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature (between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius) or lightly chilled, served in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate its volatile aromas. Perfect at the end of the day for a contemplative tasting, it pairs beautifully with blue-veined or hard cheeses, as well as with intense chocolate desserts such as cocoa truffles. It also pairs wonderfully with dried fruits, toasted almonds, or a complex Cuban cigar.

Mixology
Although it is technically possible to use it in a cocktail, experts strongly discourage this practice. The subtle, balanced aromas of this cuvée become distorted when mixed. It is best to reserve this exceptional spirit for neat tasting, and to favor a classic white agricole rum for your ti-punches.

Other characteristics
With an alcohol content of 45% ABV, this cuvée is presented in the iconic square-shouldered "Zépol Karé" bottle, a true visual signature of the house since 1952. Its premium presentation stands out with a matte, metallic embossed label, as well as a natural cork stopper topped with a pewter capsule.

An AOC Martinique Rhum Agricole of rare elegance by Neisson

The Neisson distillery: excellence and heritage at the heart of Le Carbet
Founded in 1932 in Le Carbet by brothers Adrien and Jean, the Neisson distillery embodies the absolute excellence of Martinique rum. Established on the volcanic soils of the Thieubert estate, this historic producer stands out for its family independence and visionary approach. Under the leadership of Grégory Vernant, the current owner and cellar master who succeeded his mother Claudine in 1995, the estate has undergone a full conversion to organic farming. Neisson controls its entire production chain, from growing the sugar cane to distillation, carried out in its legendary copper Savalle column still. As the only Martinique distillery certified as a Living Heritage Company (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant), it upholds unique artisanal methods, such as slow fermentation with indigenous yeasts, guaranteeing an exceptional aromatic signature.

Rhum Vieux by Neisson: the art of blending and tropical aging
Relaunched in 2017 to mark the distillery's eighty-fifth anniversary, the Rhum Vieux by Neisson cuvée illustrates the house's absolute mastery of aging. This AOC Martinique rum is the result of a strategically crafted blend, composed of carefully selected cuvées that have benefited from tropical aging ranging from three to nine years.

To forge the complexity of this Rhum Vieux, the cellar master relies on a dual maturation process. The distillate rests partly in French oak barrels, renowned for imparting spicy and floral notes, and partly in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, which give the spirit its vanilla and caramel characteristics. This sophisticated division of barrels allows for the construction of a multidimensional profile, offering optimal intermediate maturation without the excesses of over-aging.

Positioned as an elegant bridge between the distillery's white rums and its ultra-premium cuvées, this spirit has won over international critics. Its excellence was further crowned with a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole in 2019, confirming its status as an essential reference for enthusiasts in search of authenticity and refinement.