Review: La Maison & Velier Flag Series Rums – Fiji 2012, Jamaica 2015, and Cambodia 2016
We love La Maison & Veilier’s Flag Series of rums — denoted by the flag of the nationality of the distiller that appears on each label — to the point where a Guyana rum in the series was named our top rum of 2023. Now we’re back with three more Flag Series bottlings, which we’ll expound upon in each review.
LM&V Flag Series Fiji 2012 Review
Single cask #F12FPBP01. Aged in Fiji for 2 years, then finished in Europe for 10 more years — all in ex-bourbon cask. Very heavy esters give this an intense layer of tropical fruit on the nose, a mix of banana, mango, and intense layers of perfume. A bit overwhelming at times, the palate eventually tames its fruit and chewy bubblegum punch with late-game touches of lime zest and peach rings doused in vanilla syrup. Quite racy at a massive 64.5% abv, but water tames the beast a bit too much, I think. 129 proof. B+ / $150
LM&V Flag Series Jamaica 2015 Review
Single cask #WP15H03. Pot distillate, of course, aged 1 year on the island and 8 years in Europe, all in a bourbon cask. Next to the Fiji, this is incredibly refined rum, comparatively delicate on the nose with aromas of sweet corn, baking spice, and cooked fruits, dodging the extreme, candylike sweetness the Fiji expression offers. Toasty barrel char and lots of caramel give the palate some grip, with coconut and red berries showcased late in the game. Surprisingly approachable even at full strength, it’s a masterclass in Jamaican rum at its most balanced. 120.8 proof. A / $150
LM&V Flag Series Cambodia 2016 Review
Single cask #SAM16BL08. Rum in Cambodia? You learn something every day. This is one of the first rums to be made in the country, which only began in 2014. This pot still distillate’s cask spends 5 years in country and 3 years in Europe, all in ex-bourbon oak. Cask strength is a mere 48.7% abv. There’s something very unusual about this rum from the start, and the nose evokes aromas of nuac cham (Vietnamese fish sauce) mixed with ample dried flowers. In other words: Yeah, a little fishy, but in an umami-driven way. The palate is wildly different, with so much spice and pepper you could assume this was a spiced rum, unctuous with notes of brown butter, then green pepper and dried tobacco, then at last a returning nod to those elements driven by the sea, finishing on cleansing eucalyptus. It’s as wild a rum as I can recall in recent memory — and I’ve had a lot of weird stuff. And it’s something I see the tiki nerds totally slobbering all over, for better or worse. But on its merits… 97.4 proof. B+ / $150
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