Velier Clairin Sajous - Clairin Ansyen 19 mois - Ex-Caroni Cask #carsa10 - 53.1% abv.

New very welcome addition to my Clairin family. This bottle needed some air before it opened up. Initially there was an overpowering amount of oak on the nose, with very little fruit coming through. With time though, the oak calmed down and the citrus peel and cut green grass that is Sajous shines through. Now with hints of vanilla, cream, and the ever so slight lick of spilled oil and rubber. Not like one would expect at a car shop, more like a bike shop with old tires lying around. And I might even be getting some cinnamon bark in there. Sipping it... initial impression is that it’s much hotter than the original unaged Sajous. Although it feels right at its 53.1%. The woodiness from the Caroni cask has definitely taken over the fruitiness, now leaving a slight bitter lime peel flavour lingering. However not in a bad way. The agricole grass is there but has taken a back-seat. Again baking spices, cinnamon, cloves...and just more wood! I have a hard time getting past the wood. The Caroni fusel oils are there, but hiding. They may come out with some time, but I’m not sure I would have noticed them had I not known what I was drinking. The finish is long and that’s where the underlying Sajous that I know and love creeps up on you. Floral, citrusy, chewing on green hay...delicious. A nice mouthfeel. The creaminess goes extremely well with the heat that comes on strong. Overall, a fantastic rum. So different than what I expected. It’s a woody Haitian animal. I’m looking forward to trying the others from the series!

#clairin #haiti #velier #sajous #caroni #excaroni #carsa10 #purecane #purecanejuice #aged