A1710 is a fairly new distillery located in Martinique. Their first aged products were primarily blends of rum distilled by other distilleries, but my first encounter with the distillery was through their range of unaged rums.
The Cheval Bondieu (Good Lord’s Horse) is one of the first aged rums that was actually distilled by the A1710 team. It’s distilled in a 7-plate column still and matured in both French and American oak barrels between 18 and 36 months. It’s then bottled at 51.5% ABV.
Nose: A fairly round nose, but offering quite a bit of depth. Olives, sardines, salted caramel, nutmeg, gingerbread and some slight spices.
Palate: A pretty linear continuation from the nose, which is usually a sign of a well integrated rum. Salted caramel and gingerbread lead the way here, along with some spices and slight vanillin. The green, almost herbatious note is there as well. Thyme, rosemary and freshly cut sugarcane.
Finish: The finish is short to medium long with vanilla, oak and a slight hint of sugercane.
Comments: The Cheval Bondieu is a prime example of why single casks aren’t always the best option. The blend of casks is almost done to perfection, offering a relaxing and enjoyable drink, that still offers room to explore it’s flavors.
Score: 88/100