Clairin Sajous is part of the 'Spirit of Haiti' project that bottles single-estate Clairin rums from small independent distillers in Haiti. Produced at Distillerie Chelo, owned by Michel Sajous, in the countryside of Saint-Michel-de-l’Attalaye, about four hours north of Port au Prince. This northern region is widely considered among the best terroir for sugarcane in Haiti, and the heirloom Canne Cristalline varietal is known for producing exceptionally complex and pure Clairins. The cane is grown traditionally without pesticides, herbicides or fertizer, and is harvested by hand with machete. The fresh cane is pressed and the wild yeast initiate a natural fermentation that takes 5 to 7 days to complete.

The Clairin is distilled in Michel's traditional pot still, powered by burning bagasse (leftover sugarcane fibers), which is connected to a small column still equipped with 6 copper plates to recondense the distillate. This means only a single distilation is required, which lasts about 6 hours to produce an undilluted spirit between 55% and 60% alcohol.

Clairin Sajous is a treat for any agricole lover, with wild yet focused green aromas of unripe banana and pear, cut grass and young coconut, and a palate rich with flavors of creamy lime oil, white pepper and homeydew melon. A rare bottle that makes a fine top shelf addition to any rum collection. 

BASE: Sugar Cane variety 'Canne Cristalline'

WHERE: Saint-Michel-de-l’Attalaye, Haiti

FERMENTATION: Spontaneous, 100% sugar cane juice, wild yeast

DISTILLATION: Pot Still

DISTILLER: Michel Sajous

ABV: 56.4%