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Clairin is not the name of a distillery, but a term originating from kleren, meaning ‘clear’ in Haitian Creole, just like the crystalline color of the rum produced on the island, strictly agricole. The local clairin is the rum of the poor, last legacy of the French colonization of the Antilles in the late 18th century.
During the first Velier’s official trip in 2012, 532 stills still in operation in small primitive distilleries, with completely artisanal production were discovered. Every region of Haiti distills according to ancient traditions, using specific varieties of sugarcane, thanks to an isolation from the rest of the world that dates back to more than 200 years ago.
Haiti was the first colony to fiercely rebel against slavery, taking over its independence in 1804 and actually becoming the first African republic of Central America, with customs and cultures typical of the black continent. The unspoiled territory, ancient traditions that are still alive and a long period of isolation from the industrial developments of the modern era, make the clairin a rum with a potential unique in the world.
THE BRAND
The Chelo Distillery, located in the North of Port-au-Prince, in the Saint Michel de l’Attalaye, was founded by Michael Sajous in the the middle of a 30 hectares plantation, in same place where his family has lived since 1960. It operates a small traditional pot still and the production starts from native organic sugarcane, among which is the ‘Cristal’, still also cultivated by Neisson and the last allowed in the AOC Rhum Martinique Agricole.
THE IMPORTER
Velier was founded by the Chaix family in Genova in 1947 as a small traditional company specialised in the importation and distribution of wines, champagnes and spirits. In 1983, a young Luca Gargano, former brand ambassador for Saint James at that time, acquired shares in Velier. Under his influence the company began spacialising in the importation of outstanding spirits exclusively destinated to the Italian market. By the early 90s Luca heard about a legendary stock of Saint James rum dating back probably to 1885 and bottled in 1952. After a complex negotiation, he finally managed to acquire the entire stock. This was only the first of a list of legendary selections to come in the following years.
Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit. Please ensure that you undertake close up viewing/inspection prior to placing any bid. If you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please click 'Ask a question' to make a specific enquiry or to receive more in-depth condition report. Lots will be sold as seen and described.
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