Neisson Eleve Sous Bois Rhum

If you're willing to challenge your palate as a rum or scotch drinker, here is an exciting spirit to try: Rhum Agricole. Made from fresh-pressed cane juice, this distillate is fresh, grassy, and vegetal. When aged, however, it can produce a very wide range of aromas and flavors. More popular rums made from molasses--which is the by-product of sugar production--yield sweeter rums, and there are more of them made. Neisson has been around since 1932 and still traditionally produces these rums in small quantities. The Eleve Sous Bois is rested/aged for 18 months in 20,000 liter casks, which soften the rum and only slightly impart the character of French oak. This results in hints of orange citrus, vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, and, while still retaining a bit of those grassy/vegetal notes. Give it a go and you won't be disappointed.