Karukera Rhum Vieux Agricole Reserve Speciale Review And Tasting Notes
The Karukera Rhum Vieux Agricole Reserve Speciale is a classic agricultural rum from Guadeloupe, very soft, creamy, and defined by a very syrupy fruit, vanilla, and sweet spices.
It does not want to be an austere or clear rum. On the contrary, it lets itself go into a decadent and somewhat stylized but pleasant evolution. In pure French style, it focuses on opulence and aromatic richness and not so much on precision.
But there is nothing wrong with that. After all, this is a medium-caliber distillate, undoubtedly tasty but not particularly territorial. The evolution of the entry level product which is Karukera Rhum Vieux Agricole. This costs 20-30 euros more, but the charisma is much higher.
How is it produced?
Seventy hectares of sugar cane of the Bleue type grow on soils of volcanic origin in a “natural way.” No pesticides or herbicides are used, but they are not needed in this paradise.
After harvesting, the barrel is crushed, and the juice ferments in steel without the addition of chemical yeasts or acidifiers.
This is followed by distillation in pot stills and then 5 years of aging in barrels used to produce Bourbon.
The wood and the tropical climate make the distillate concentrate decisively, increasing its roundness but without making it overripe.
Organoleptic characteristics
The final product is exquisite and expansive.
The bouquet is warm and fleshy, dominated by this baked tropical fruit with vanilla garnish. Spices tickle the nose, cloves, and cinnamon, but then a pepper finish and more green and subtle returns give lightness and dampen all this intensity.
The wood is robust but not rude and is dosed with the right measure.
On the palate, it is soft but has a nice flair. It is snappy, sharp, and never sloppy.
The creaminess caresses the palate with the proper delicacy and never goes to the detriment of gustatory credibility. At the alcoholic level, it is powerful, well defined, and free of smudges or excesses.
Overall, the structure is good even if it is not colossal: pleasantness and drink are put first. Almond and honey finish that persists for a long time on the palate.
Price
Seventy euros: a fair price you willingly pay to taste an agricultural rum made with care and precision.
Food Pairings
Tiramisù, chocolate salami, pear and chocolate tart, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate truffles, apple tart.