Among the spirits that have undergone a bit of a reinvention of late, rum is arguably receiving the classiest makeover. Where once it was seen as some clear stuff you buy cheap at duty free and dilute with cola or juice, it is now being enjoyed on the rocks or neat, in snifters. The rums of the French Caribbean in particular are gaining special attention, as evidenced by Brasserie Wolf’s French Caribbean Night happening on Aug 31. If you’re keen to dive right in to this brave new world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better jumping-off point than Damoiseau.

Damo-what?
Hailing from Guadeloupe, the family-owned Damoiseau was founded in 1942. Damoiseau’s spirits aren’t just rums; they’re Virgin Cane Agricole rhums, a title bestowed upon just 3 percent of the global supply of the spirit. Virgin Cane Agricole rhum, an appellation which essentially carries the same weight as “Champagne,” must be produced from fresh sugar cane juice instead of molasses.

Better with Age

Damoiseau’s rhums span a wide range of ages and prices. There’s everything from the basic Blanc ($98) to the Amber ($107), three years old ($141), four years old ($158), five years old ($183), eight years old ($265), 15 years old ($329) and the unbelievably old Vintage 1953 ($1,766). As you proceed through the range, the rhums evolve in complexity, with varied aromas and flavors of spice, wood and fruit.

Drink up!
Unlike your supermarket or convenience store rums, Damoiseau isn’t meant to be masked and knocked back for a cheap high. Simplicity works best here, and as we mentioned earlier, pour it over ice or have it straight up. Swirl, sniff, sip and savor. One alternative for those who enjoy their spirits with a little fizz is to add a splash of the premium Q-Tonic to make a Dam-QT (it’s supposed to sound like “damn cute”). Q-Tonic isn’t your average tonic water; it’s made with hand-picked quinine from Peru and sweetened with organic agave. It’s also got 60 percent less calories than your average tonic.

Go and Buy
Damoiseau rhums are currently available at selected venues including The Fullerton Bay Hotel, The Tippling Club, Bilbao, Buyan Haute Cuisine and Caviar Bar, and the Singapore Marriott Hotel. You’ll also be able to order them online soon at www.quickerliquor.com. Alternatively, drop the distributors an email at [email protected].