HSE Rozelieures Whisky Cask Finish (2013/2020), 44%

Introduction

Habitation Saint-Etienne (HSE) stands as one of Martinique’s most innovative distilleries, combining traditional Rhum Agricole production with experimental cask finishes that challenge conventional rum boundaries.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Fresh-pressed sugar cane juice harvested from Martinique’s volcanic soils, adhering to strict AOC regulations
• Distillation process: Single column distillation in traditional Creole copper stills that maintain the sugar cane’s authentic character
• Maturation: Initial aging in French oak barrels for approximately 5 years, followed by a finishing period in Rozelieures whisky casks from Finland
• Special techniques: Terroir-driven approach with careful barrel selection and a unique cross-spirit finishing process that introduces subtle whisky characteristics

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Elegant bouquet of cocoa, dried fruits, and citrus zest, complemented by subtle smoky undertones and whisky-influenced spice notes
• Palate: Vibrant and nuanced with toasted grains, stewed tropical fruits, rare spices, and gentle oak tannins, showcasing a harmonious marriage between rum and whisky characteristics
• Finish: Long and elegant with evolving tannins, pleasant warmth, and lingering notes of red and black fruits, with subtle whisky-derived spice

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-21°C) to fully appreciate the complex flavor profile
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped tasting glass or small snifter to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat as a contemplative sipper; a few drops of water may unlock additional aromatic complexity
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, dried fruits, or aged cheese with nutty characteristics

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 44% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Martinique, French West Indies (AOC Martinique)
• Certifications/Awards: AOC Martinique certified, adhering to strict production regulations for authentic Rhum Agricole

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This HSE Rozelieures Whisky Cask Finish represents a rare crossover between two distinguished spirits worlds, creating a profile impossible to replicate in conventional rums.

With only a limited number of these special casks produced from the 2013 distillation, each bottle represents a fleeting opportunity to experience this innovative marriage of traditions.

HSE’s master blenders are recognized globally for their boundary-pushing expertise in cask finishing, having pioneered techniques now emulated throughout the premium rum industry.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning rum enthusiasts and critics consistently praise HSE’s whisky cask finishes as among the most sophisticated and complex expressions in the rhum agricole category.

Collectors who have invested in previous HSE special cask finishes have witnessed these bottles become highly sought-after additions to curated spirits collections.

The distinctive profile of this expression has earned respect from experts in both rum and whisky domains, bridging appreciation between traditionally separate spirits communities.

From Martinique’s Terroir to You

Each bottle of HSE Rozelieures Whisky Cask Finish delivers not just a premium spirit, but the culmination of generations of agricultural and distillation expertise from Martinique’s historic estates.

The approachable yet complex character of this rum appeals to both experienced connoisseurs and those new to premium agricole rums, offering layers of flavor that reveal themselves with each tasting.

By choosing this exceptional rhum agricole, you join a community of discerning enthusiasts who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the bold innovation that defines modern Caribbean rum production.