Bellevue - 1998 - Kill Devil - 18 y/o - 58,2%
Photo taken at Roche Bobois Stuttgart
All the 1998 Bellevues we've tried so far were more than good, without exception. In case you're wondering why so many bottlings of this vintage are to be found on the market, they all originate from one huge molasses rum shipment from Damoiseau Distillery on Grand-Terre to Main Rum Company, who continued ageing it or sold it to Indie bottlers who in turn aged it in their own warehouses. So keep in mind: the Name Bellevue isn't to be confused with Bellevue Distillery on Marie-Galante.
Nose
In just one breath the mind presses the rewind button and carries you back into a dim oriental harem, where your nose is charmed by hundreds of exotic scents. While you are relaxing in that noble chair of precious cedar and sandalwood and enjoying a coup of moroccan Nana min tea, the nose is charmed by clouds of burnt myrrh, incense, vermouth and camphor. Next to you, someone is puffing shisha tobacco from Egypt and passes you a huge peace of dark chocolate from Guadeloupe. What a truly luxury and complex treatment! With water: Becoming more leafy, herbal and earthy now. We can't help but think of Gardel for a wee moment.
Palate
Welcome to the chocolate factory! All kinds of cocoa products, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate and salted nougat are sizzling on the tongue. Not to forget about the pieces of dried oranges, lemons and a few mint leaves in it. The texture is silky and smooth, whilst the liquid is medium bodied and the alcohol perfectly integrated.
With water: More sweetness is coming up through a lot of milk chocolate.
Finish
Consistent with the french saying 'partir, c'est mourir un peu' we miss a bit of duration with this finish. But that heavy cocoa note with citrus peels is just lovely and makes you wanting it to last forever.
Rating
From all the Bellevues in our glass this was the cherry on the cake and definitely one for the chocolate lovers (guilty as charged). The bouquet was a manifestation of complexity, whilst the finish was a bit short-lived. Once again we are stunned by the diversity within the rum world, with each nation representing a distinctive style and profile!
