RHUM CLAIRIN - Artisanal white rum - Sajous 2020 - 55.2%
The Clairins represent the true traditional rums of Haiti, where 532 small artisanal distilleries thrive across this unique Caribbean island, known for its historic rebellion against slavery in 1804. Today, Haiti proudly preserves pure and authentic rum-making traditions, thanks to its native, non-hybrid sugarcane varieties, 100% natural agriculture without pesticides or chemicals, as well as spontaneous fermentation without added yeasts, complemented by archaic, artisanal, and unfiltered distillation. These ancestral methods give Clairin rums an incomparable typicity and aromatic richness.
The sugarcane, cultivated in agroforestry alongside other local plant species such as banana and mango, is left in its natural state without chemical intervention until harvest, which occurs about 18 months after planting. This manual harvest is done by hand using a traditional machete (cane knife), then the cut stalks are transported artisanally to the distillery on ox-drawn carts. Upon arrival, the canes are still handled by hand to be inserted into the pressing mill where the juice slowly flows into a natural stone container. Meanwhile, a human chain carries the pressed cane residues to a drying area, ensuring a fully manual and environmentally respectful process.
To obtain the prestigious "Triple A" designation, this rum follows a strict protocol: fermentation must last at least 120 hours, carried out in a traditional pot still, limited to a maximum of 5 units with copper plates in direct contact with the flame. The meticulous artisanal distillation guarantees optimal quality of the white rum. Finally, bottling is done directly at the still's outlet, exclusively in Haiti, thus preserving the product's authenticity and local identity.
This remarkable Clairin Sajous was crafted by Michel Sajous at the Chelo distillery, located in Saint Michel de l’Attalaye, a historic cradle of traditional Haitian rum. From the 2020 harvest, this rum is produced from pure juice of the native, non-hybrid Cristalline sugarcane variety. Its discontinuous fermentation took place in a pot still, ensuring a deep aromatic expression and exceptional length on the palate.
