Luxury French spirit maker Maison Darroze is bringing three delightful tipples to the UK just in time for a joyeux Noël.
Headed by Marc Darroze – brother of famous six-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze – the distillery, in Roquefort in Occitanie, prides itself on its rich sense of history and its craftmanship.
As well as the very local eau-de-vie, Armagnac, Marc has chosen to break with tradition and create a new range of spirits – predominantly rums – called Bapt and Clem’s Unusual Spirits Collection, named after his sons, Baptiste and Clement. Marc’s quest for excellence has led him all over the world, meeting a number of iconic producers and distillers, and it was this which inspired him to create rums celebrating the discoveries made along his travels. So here are three top choices for your festive drinks cabinet:
Darroze Blanche d’Armagnac Folle Blanche
An unaged Armagnac made from 100% Folle Blanche grapes, it it can rival gin or vodka, providing a new flavourful twist to classic cocktails such as the martini. It has a distinct and intense aroma, with notes of grapefruit, plum, and fresh grape, building to spicy Sichuan pepper. On the palate, it presents notes of fresh pineapple, plum, and a subtle vegetal quality.
Bapt & Clem’s Traditional Rum Trinidad & Tobago 4YO
This natural and unsweetened molasses rum is distilled at the Angostura distillery, famous for its bitters. After several years spent ageing in Trinidad, this rum finishes its ageing in Gascony, in a combination of casks that previously held Sauternes, Fino, Oloroso, and Manzanilla wines. The nose features dried fruit, beeswax, and mild pepper spices that transfer to the palate, along with a hint of balsamic, all carried in a smooth and round mouthfeel. Great over ice or in cocktails.
Bapt & Clem’s Traditional Rum El Salvador 5YO
This rum ages for three years in American bourbon casks in El Salvador, before an additional two years in the same wine and sherry casks as its Trinidadian counterpart. The result is a beautiful golden liquid with aromas of cut herbs and dried flowers; the palate is soft with notes of pineapple, baked apples, lightly toasted bread and vanilla. Great over ice or in cocktails.
All three are available at various UK retailers, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt. And if you fancy seeing how they’re made and touring the cellars, contact Darroze Armagnacs to book a visit – and a tasting, of course!
- An exclusive interview with Chef Alain Ducasse, the most Michelin-Starred Chef
- Fear not: Camembert and Brie are not going extinct
- ZappTax: The tax-free revolution for shopping enthusiasts in Europe
- Nine new restaurants awarded Michelin Green Star for sustainability
- 52 restaurants awarded one Michelin Star for 2024
