CLAIRIN 2018 Casimir, 49.5% ABV

There are over 500 small distilleries in the countryside of Haiti and the diversity of production of local spirit, called Clairin – or Kleren – varies widely with an incredible variety of Clairin styles.

Clairin Casimir is produced by Distillerie Faubert Casimir on the north side of the southern fork in the village of Baradères: the last frontier of coffee, cocoa and Clairin.

In the tranquility of the village of Barradères on the northern coast of the south fork, Faubert Casimir has continued the work of his father Duncan since 1979. Considered to be the best distiller in the region, Faubert grows 50 hectares of Hawaii White and Hawaii Red sugar cane, varieties related to Otahiti cane originally from South East Asia. The cane is grown organically without the use of pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals. It is harvested only once completely mature and brought to the distillery to be pressed and fermented with the natural yeast of the area. His Clairin alternates wonderfully between classicism and unbridled exuberance; the experience of tasting takes us two centuries into the past to breathe the air of another era.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fruity and mineral. Exotic fruit basket, forest and savory spice notes.

Palate: Exotic ripe fruits, leather, smoke, meat.

Finish: Complex and earthy. Almond, truffle, vegetal notes.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!