Expérimental de Christian Drouin "Rhum J.M Angels" 10 yrs Batch #7 Pays d'Auge

Tasting Notes from the Curator

The Expérimental de Christian Drouin “Rhum J.M Angels” 10 yrs Batch #7 Pays d’Auge presents itself as a testament to the artistry of blending and maturation. At first sniff, the bouquet reveals itself in vibrant layers of vanilla intertwined with the expressive freshness of freshly cut apple wood. A sweetness rides on the air with overripe cooked apples, apricot undertones, and the soothing floral fragrance of chamomile. A medley of warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—envelops the nose, offering a homely comfort akin to baked bread, all of which is set against a backdrop of complex oak wood notes carrying the depth of toasted flavors.

In terms of flavor, this spirit unfurls a rich dialogue between woody-spicy notes and a pronounced vanilla sweetness, riding alongside refreshing herbal tones that add an unexpected dimension to the palate. The influence of the Oak manifests in toasted wood and vanilla notes, while fruit flavors of apple and apricot dance across the tongue, revealing both contrasts and complements—each sip delivering a new discovery.

Texturally, this crafting offers the indulgent richness of a full-bodied spirit, a luxurious mouthfeel that envelops the senses while maintaining a complexity of multi-dimensional flavor layers. The smoothness invites you in, encouraging a lingering sip that slowly unfurls a pleasantly long finish, resonating with the memory of apple wood and seasoned oak.

Pairings & Suggestions

This expertly crafted spirit lends itself beautifully to a variety of culinary pairings and usages:

• Grilled Meats: Pair with lamb chops, BBQ chicken, or smoked sausages. The smoky, savory flavors synergize with the rum’s woody and spicy notes.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: Match with a dark chocolate mousse, torte, or chocolate-dipped fruits. The richness complements the rum’s vanilla undertones and caramel sweetness.
• Tropical Fruits: Opt for grilled pineapple, mango salsa, or coconut sorbet. The fruity, tropical notes shine, enhancing the rum’s innate sweetness and acidity.
• Cheese Delights: Pair with aged Gouda, blue cheese, or Brie. The creamy, nutty flavors contrast elegantly with the smooth texture of the rum.

In the realm of cocktails, “Fort Rouillé” highlights the spirit’s complexity, blending with rye whiskey, Fernet, and a touch of maple syrup to craft a rich, herbal, yet sweet symphony of flavors.

An Exploration in French Spirit Innovation

Christian Drouin’s Expérimental Series epitomizes an adventurous spirit inherent in traditional French distillation. Founded in 1960, the distillery’s reputation rests on its expert craftsmanship and innovative approach to spirit production, especially evidenced in the Expérimental Series. This series acts as an avant-garde platform that breaks away from conventions, inviting enthusiasts to explore new horizons in the world of spirits through unconventional methods of maturation and blending.

Batch #7, the “Rhum J.M Angels,” stands as a beacon of this exploratory mission. Distinctly matured for a decade, the spirit gains a unique complexity from spending its final 8.5 months in former Rhum Agricole casks. These casks impart incredibly woody-spicy notes, further enhancing the aromatic landscape and adding depth and richness—making it a delightful surprise for rum and Calvados connoisseurs alike.

Pays d’Auge’s historical significance adds layers to its character, marrying local terroir with time-honored methods to create something utterly novel yet deeply rooted in tradition. These qualities make this blend a prized collector’s item, not just for its rarity but for its innovative narrative in the evolution of French spirits.

Storage Instructions

Store in a dark, cool place between 15°C and 20°C, away from sunlight. Keep the bottle upright to prevent cork degradation.