Review: Trois Rivieres Rhum Agricole – Blanc and Ambre
Review: Trois Rivieres Rhum Agricole – Blanc and Ambre
Trois Rivières is a historic brand of rhum agricole — it’s Martinique’s oldest sugarcane plantation, dating back to 1660. The rum came later, and only now are these spirits finally making their way to the U.S.
Not sure how typical rum and rhum agricole differ? I’ll let Trois explain the process a bit in this background block:
Unlike more common industrial rums produced from sugar byproducts, Trois Rivières rhums are made using freshly pressed juice from its estate grown sugar cane, and without the addition of molasses or supplemental flavoring agents. Produced in a single, 22-level copper column still, all of Trois Rivières’ aged rhums spend a minimum of three years in oak casks, and leverage the intensely warm climate to create a finished spirit equivalent to a much older whisky or Cognac without a decade-long wait.
Trois Rivières is bringing five expressions to the States. We received two of them for review, both entry-level offerings. Let’s dig in.
Trois Rivieres Rhum Blanc Agricole White Rum – Classically pungent and biting on the nose. Green and lightly sugary, with a heavy petrol note on top of everything. Iconically agricole, but with some moderating, aromatic hints of flowers, it remains a weighty experience well into the palate. Here things settle down a bit, showcasing more fresh sugarcane notes, lemon peel, and husky, earthy, almost chocolaty notes. Practically built from the ground up as a base for burly tiki cocktails. 100 proof. B+ / $34 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Trois Rivieres Rhum Agricole Ambre Gold Rum – This simple “gold” style rhum agricole spends 12 to 18 months in American oak before bottling. Nothing terribly surprising here, starting off with a nose with moderate petrol, almost kerosene-like at times. Sharp but also a bit nutty, with wood and walnut oil influences. The palate finds quite a bit more sweetness than expected, showing a mildly nutty character with hints of lemongrass and enduring petrol notes. The finish is a mix of caramel and spice, with hints of cherry. More soothing than expected, thanks largely to the moderated alcohol level. 80 proof. B+ / $36
Trois Rivieres Rhum Agricole Ambre Gold Rum
$36
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