Where does a rum begin?

Is it in the yeast? Is it in the still? In the case of a rhum agricole, is it in the cane itself?

But it’s just as important — if not more important — where a rum ends.

In recent years, a number of rum producers have been exploring the universe of barrel aging — particularly, using barrels that previously housed other wines and spirits.

At the forefront of this movement has been Rhum HSE, the Martinique-based rum producer that’s among the most innovative spirits companies, well, anywhere.

Where the magic happens at HSE.

For several years now, HSE has been experimenting with a range of “special finish” expressions, finishing their rhums in everything from sherry casks to Islay whisky casks.

What they’ve shown again and again is just how much the barrel matters — from the charring to the type of oak to, of course, the duration of aging.

But that’s just the beginning — the team at HSE has taken the art to new levels — from ultra-specific charring profiles for the barrels to even looking at barrels made exclusively with oak from particular forests. 

One of HSE’s more unique expressions is particularly lovely, though.

This is the HSE Chateau La Tour Blanche Finish.

After eight years of aging in American oak barrels, it spent an additional year maturing in barrels that formerly housed Chateau La Tour Blanche, the famous Bommes-based dessert wine.

So what is it like?

The color is a classic golden amber, with a mild aroma of oak, caramel, brown sugar and a hint of dried apricot.

The flavor profile is marked by dried apricot, a hint of orange zest, black pepper, white wine, cane sugar, tropical fruit, even a hint of Moscato.

This is a classically velvety rhum from HSE, with a slightly bold but well balanced finish.

The sweetness of the Sauternes is in there, to be sure.

But it doesn’t overwhelm like so many other special finish rums.

It’s subtle, dancing around the flavors, never taking over. But it adds so much.

It’s the most important ending for a rum — in your glass.

Rum Journal Rating: 95 Points

— CJ

The post Rum Journal: This Martinique Rhum Is Finished in Sauternes Barrels appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Caribbean’s coolest places to stay is making its triumphant comeback from last year’s hurricanes

The Cooper Island Beach Club in the British Virgin Islands has announced plans to reopen on April 1.

The reopening will include guest rooms, the hotel’s restaurant, its boutique, its famous rum bar, coffee shop and microbrewery “all open for business,” according to a statement.

The property, which is also quite popular with boaters, has a total of 10 beachfront rooms.

For more information, visit the Cooper Island Beach Club.

The post The Cooper Island Beach Club Is Reopening in April appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By Alexander Britell

World-class restaurants. Historic forts. Creative cocktail bars.

And even its own little cay.

This is Christiansted, St Croix, and it’s time it got on your travel radar.

Because the best-kept secret in the US Virgin Islands has quietly become one of the most fascinating spots in the Caribbean, a haven for foodies, history lovers and beach aficionados.

St Croix’s tourism recovery from last year’s storms has been nothing short of remarkable, and Christiansted is at the center of it, with a collection of small hotels (from the Hotel Caravelle to the Club Comanche), great shopping, bustling bars and one of the region’s most happening food scenes.

It’s the latter that’s most impressive; in a few short years Christiansted has cultivated a significant concentration of top eateries, from institutions like Savant to up-and-coming dining outposts like Uptown Eatery, Zion Modern Kitchen and Balter, among others.

And while this is certainly an urban destination, the water is never far, whether you’re taking out a charter boat to Buck Island or spending an afternoon just across the harbor at the eminently lovable Hotel on the Cay and its great little white-sand beach.

See more in the latest CJ video at the top of the page.

The post VIDEO: Why You Need to Visit Christiansted, St Croix appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of St Maarten’s most popular resorts is making a comeback.

The Oyster Bay Beach Resort, which has been closed since Hurricane Irma, is targeting a late spring return.

“We are on schedule to open on June 1, 2018,” the property said in its most recent update.

Construction crews are working to complete the reconstruction of 68 units by June 1, which will include the lobby, check-in, the spa, gym, laundry and “shipwreck” shop.

That’s along with repairs and upgrades to the resort’s pool and jacuzzi, an updated pool deck and the addition of a rock wall feature, among other changes.

The reconstruction project is being undertaken in three phases, with the second and third phases slated for completion by Dec. 1.

The post St Maarten’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort to Reopen appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Another St Maarten resort is planning its reopening.

The Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St Maarten is targeting a May relaunch, according to a release.

Divi Resorts has also tapped Anne-Marie Brooks as the new general manager at Divi Little Bay, replacing Celine Van Meer, who is now the general manager at the Divi Flamingo in Bonaire.

“We’re overjoyed that Anne-Marie has decided to return to Divi Little Bay,” said Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO. “We’re making great progress in getting Little Bay back up and running in May, and we can’t wait to see what fresh and innovative ideas Anne-Marie brings to the table.”

Brooks was most recently the assistant general manager at St Maarten’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort.

The post St Maarten’s Divi Liuttle Bay to Reopen in May appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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