finally tried out some Martinique rum - Tiki Drinks and Food

MT Mai Tai Tiki Socialite Exotic Isle of Alameda Joined: Mar 21, 2004 Posts: 1438	MT Mai Tai Posted posted on Sat, Apr 16, 2011 2:35 AM On 2011-04-14 21:16, Hakalugi wrote: If you like the St. James Amber then you will absolutely love the St. James Hors D'Age! The difference between the two is pretty wide. Unfortunately the price of the Hors D'Age is much higher than it was a few years ago so I usually end up getting the Clement VSOP which makes for a fine substitute. I might even like the Clement VSOP more than the St. James Hors D'Age but have yet to do a side by side taste test. As far as the St. James Extra Old, I haven't tried it. I agree - if you like the Amber then you'll love the Hors D'Age. The St. James Extra Old is good too, kind of like the younger brother of the Hors D'Age. Both would be great in a Mai Tai. In fact, my favorite Mai Tai's are made with an ounce of Jamaican, like that Appleton 12 Extra, and an ounce of a good Martinique style rum. Something about how those two contrasting rums blend together to make something really tasty. The St. James Extra old is good in a Mai Tai, as is the Rhum Neisson Eleve Sous Bois. I'd recommend trying the Eleve Sous Bois neat as well, it was one of my favorite Martiniques on the Kill Devil list. Interestingly enough as a contrast, the Rhum Neisson Blanc was one of my LEAST favorites, it was just too grassy and strong whether neat or served in a Mai Tai - that was one cocktail that was hard to get through, but oh, I toughed it out! It's amazing what a few years of aging in the barrel will do to remove the "tails" and harshness in certain rums! Oh, and here's an interesting suggestion, try the Clement Creole Shrubb. It is rum infused with bitter orange peel and spices, pretty much half of a Mai Tai - just ad lime and orgeat, and you're ready to go! If you're a savory taster, then it will be too sweet for you served neat, but it did make for a good Mai Tai! Enjoy!

On 2011-04-14 21:16, Hakalugi wrote:
If you like the St. James Amber then you will absolutely love the St. James Hors D'Age! The difference between the two is pretty wide. Unfortunately the price of the Hors D'Age is much higher than it was a few years ago so I usually end up getting the Clement VSOP which makes for a fine substitute. I might even like the Clement VSOP more than the St. James Hors D'Age but have yet to do a side by side taste test.

As far as the St. James Extra Old, I haven't tried it.

I agree - if you like the Amber then you'll love the Hors D'Age.

The St. James Extra Old is good too, kind of like the younger brother of the Hors D'Age. Both would be great in a Mai Tai. In fact, my favorite Mai Tai's are made with an ounce of Jamaican, like that Appleton 12 Extra, and an ounce of a good Martinique style rum. Something about how those two contrasting rums blend together to make something really tasty. The St. James Extra old is good in a Mai Tai, as is the Rhum Neisson Eleve Sous Bois. I'd recommend trying the Eleve Sous Bois neat as well, it was one of my favorite Martiniques on the Kill Devil list. Interestingly enough as a contrast, the Rhum Neisson Blanc was one of my LEAST favorites, it was just too grassy and strong whether neat or served in a Mai Tai - that was one cocktail that was hard to get through, but oh, I toughed it out! It's amazing what a few years of aging in the barrel will do to remove the "tails" and harshness in certain rums!

Oh, and here's an interesting suggestion, try the Clement Creole Shrubb. It is rum infused with bitter orange peel and spices, pretty much half of a Mai Tai - just ad lime and orgeat, and you're ready to go! If you're a savory taster, then it will be too sweet for you served neat, but it did make for a good Mai Tai! Enjoy!

Post #585212 by Mai Tai on Sat, Apr 16, 2011 2:35 AM