Rhum Clement

[Ed Hamilton]

A few months ago, I read a press release that Clement was importing their white rhum agricole to the US. Last week I ran across a bottle of this rhum in New York.

I was surprised that it was bottled at only 80 proof, almost every white rhum agricole in Martinique is bottled at 100 proof, and it didn't taste anything like the Clement I've enjoyed in Martinique. This rhum is contract distilled at the Simon distillery in Martinique and presumably bottled in Martinique in 750 ml bottles for the US market.

I'm encouraged that Clement is working to bring rhum agricole to the US, and look forward to tasting this rhum at 100 proof as it is bottled in the French West Indies.

[Jason Perlow]

Rhum Clement is a great rum -- I've had a single bottle that I have been nursing for several years, I'm glad to hear that one has now made its way to the US.

[dwarnier]

Ed - where did you find this rhum in New York? I've thoroughy enjoyed a bottle of Clement Rhum Vieux that I picked up in France.

[Ed Hamilton]

We're talking about two different rhums. The Clement white rum I found was at the Flatiron Lounge on 18th Street. The Clement Rhum Vieux you found in France could well have been bottled in Martinique and depending on the year can be a good aged rhum agricole. But don't get your hopes up for their white rhum.

[Ed Hamilton]

After my comment that Clement rhum blanc was bottled at 80 proof, I was informed by the importer that they plan to introduce a 100 proof version of their white rum next year, which will be the same as their rum sold in Martinique under the Clement label.