Review: Providence Haitian Rum – Blanc and 3 Years Old 2020

Providence’s Distillerie de Port-au-Prince is one of the smallest rum distilleries in the world, which means your chances of discovering its products are probably very low. The good news is that LM&V is bringing two expressions of the rum to the U.S., though it does not carry any of LM&V’s branding.

We received small samples of both a white rum and a three year old vintage release for review.

Providence Haitian Rum Blanc “Dunder & Syrup” Review

This rum is “produced from syrup and juice of Cristalline cane, to which “vinasse” (called “dunder” in English) from previous distillations are added. The sugar cane comes from Michel Sajous, in Saint-Michel de l’Attalaye, 150 kilometers north of the capital.” No aging; this is straight off the still, watered down from 73% to 56% abv.

This is a bold and fruity rum, with the slight funk to be expected of an unaged product, though less than you might think. Overtones of wet earth and mushroom inform a bold nose of banana and pineapple, followed by torched marshmallows. The palate is quite fiery but maintains its sweetness, evoking flavors of coconut nectar and vanilla custard. Hot notes of tart lemon, chased by fresh green herbs, infuse the lengthy finish. A wild ride, and one for the rum extremists to seek out.

112 proof. Reviewed: Feb. 2021 edition. A- / $54 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

Providence Haitian Rum 3 Years Old 2020  Review

Take the above and age it in special casks formerly used by Providence for 3 years: These casks started as new American oak, were charred to level 2, and then filled and emptied three times over a two-year period to acclimate them to rum before being used for aging this vintage-dated release.

What a difference that barrel time makes. Even three years is enough to completely transform this product, imbuing it with a nose that is almost candylike with elements of lime leaf, dried banana chips, and sesame cookies, though the grassy, petrol-laden pungency of the agricole-like construction is palpable.

The palate is sweet and surprisingly heavy with vanilla. A bold floral edge adds nuance before the rum meanders its way back into more savory territory, evoking flavors of nut butter and licorice. There’s an anise-heavy, tiki-like edge to the late game, which, when combined with the higher abv present, makes this come across like perfect fodder for floating atop a Zombie or the like.

104 proof. A / $108

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