Clement has crafted something worth paying attention to with Clement Canne Bleue Vieux 2020 Single Traditional Column Still Rum. Hailing from Caribbean, this agricole expression represents the kind of rum-making that rewards careful tasting and an open mind.
The production story is rooted in Caribbean's distilling heritage. Made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses, this agricole-style rum brings a distinctive grassy, herbaceous character that sets it apart from column-still molasses rums. The 2020 Canne Bleue Vieux rum from Clement is a rich, complex rum made with only one type of sugar cane – canne bleue – and released as part of the distillery's 20th anniversary celebrat.
On the nose, the rum opens with an inviting complexity that draws you into the glass. There is a confident interplay between the spirit's natural character and the influence of maturation, creating layers that reveal themselves gradually. The palate confirms what the nose promises — this is a rum with genuine substance. At 50% ABV, the alcohol is well-integrated, never harsh or overwhelming, allowing the full spectrum of flavour to unfold across the tongue. The mouthfeel is pleasingly weighted, with enough body to carry the flavours without becoming heavy or cloying.
As for serving, Clement Canne Bleue Vieux 2020 Single Traditional Column Still Rum works beautifully in a Ti Punch or Daiquiri, where its grassy complexity can truly express itself. That said, a spirit at this level of quality deserves at least one tasting neat before you start mixing — you will want to appreciate the complexity that Clement has worked so hard to achieve.
At £48.95, Clement Canne Bleue Vieux 2020 Single Traditional Column Still Rum is a competent entry, though competition at this price is stiff. Scoring 6 out of 10, it holds its own in the agricole category. A respectable showing.
