Among the myriad of rums that aficionados and casual drinkers alike can delight in, the La Favorite 2018 La Créole 56% stands out in the rum spectrum as a testament to the art of distillation and the rich heritage of Martinique rum. This release, distilled and bottled at the La Favorite Distillery, is mired in not just the traditions of rum production but in the soul of Martinique itself.
La Favorite, a distillery founded in the heart of Martinique, is an emblem of dedication and passion for rhum agricole. The distillery, established in the 19th century, perpetuates a method of rum production that is distinctly French Caribbean. This involves the fermentation of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than molasses, which is then distilled in a column still. The use of raw sugarcane imparts a vibrant and fresh flavor profile that is characteristic of agricole rums. La Favorite Distillery remains one of the few establishments in Martinique that is still family-owned and operated, preserving its methods and secrets while continuously adapting to contemporary tastes.
The La Favorite 2018 La Créole is an exceptional showcase of the distillery's prowess. This bottling was produced in 2018 and bottled at an imposing strength of 56%, a feature that promises rich flavors and a robust palate experience. The rum is successful in capturing the lush, tropical climate of Martinique, which vastly influences the aging process. In tropical climates, the interaction between the spirit and the cask is accelerated due to the higher average temperatures and humidity. This results in a rum that matures faster and has a more concentrated flavor reminiscent of its island origin.
This expression, notably named La Créole, alludes to the Creole culture and heritage abundant in Martinique, a reflection of the island's history and its contemporary way of life. The vibrant local culture is well captures in each bottle, celebrating the Creole spirit with every sip. Only 1,000 bottles of this vintage were produced, making it a rare gem for collectors and enthusiasts who have a penchant for unique and small-batch rums.
It is crucial to mention the collaboration with Christian de Montaguère, an expert in promoting Caribbean culture and artisan products, particularly rum. This collaboration emphasizes the cultural significance and craft of the La Favorite distillery through a specially curated selection. Known for his dedication to the finest Caribbean rums, de Montaguère’s involvement ensures that La Créole 2018 is a premium product, harmoniously blending heritage, flavor, and tradition.
On tasting, La Favorite 2018 La Créole 56% offers a complex array of aromas and flavors. Initial notes of fresh sugarcane juice followed by subtleties of tropical fruits and a hint of spice give way to deeper, more lingering undertones of oak and vanilla from its brief ageing - a testament to the rum's structured yet spirited body. The robust 56% alcohol by volume offers a powerful yet balanced experience, warming and complex, perfect for sipping neat, which allows the myriad flavors to unfold beautifully.
In sum, La Favorite 2018 La Créole 56% is more than just a bottle of rum. It encapsulates a rich tableau of Martinique’s lush landscapes, its persistent and dedicated people, and the cultural resonance that rhum agricole carries. This limited edition, high-strength, tropical-aged release is not just a drink but a cultural artifact, offering rum connoisseurs and newcomers alike a taste of Martinique’s vibrant soul.
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