. Rhum Bologne VO Rhum Vieux. When I first bought a couple of bottle of Rhum Bologne (on offer from Amazon), I didn’t think I had reviewed any “Rhum Bologne”.

However, upon doing a bit of research I realised I had of course reviewed their Rhum Bologne Black Cane way back in 2017.

I would love to say that the reviews on my site follow a strict order and I set out and plan what I am going to review in advance. I don’t a lot is based on what is gifted to me via samples, appeals to me on a personal level (i.e what I would buy regardless) and finally r(h)um I find at prices to low to pass by.

Even with samples from friends and occasionally producers it is a very expensive “hobby” reviewing rum. So any discounts I can encounter on bottles “missing” from the site are rarely passed by.

Rhum Bologne VO Rhum Vieux, usually retails in the UK at around the £35-40 mark. That said it is another Rhum Agricole brand which isn’t all that well distributed over here in the UK. I noticed a bottle of this (and some other bargains from Rhum Bologne) on Amazon for just £25 a bottle.

I was pleasantly surprised when the rhum arrived in a very smart 3/4 “stubby” style bottle with a short tapered neck and a nice chunky artificial cork stopper. It came with a sturdy gold and black box to store the rhum in as well. As with most Agricole Rhum beyond the entry level stuff – it is quite classically presented. Premium if you like.

Rhum Bologne is produced at Distillierie Bologne which is based pin Basse-Terre on the island of Guadeloupe. The distillery has been functioning since 1877.

The Rhum Bologne ethos first brought into play by Louis Sargenton-Callard in 1932 focused very much around “terroir” and ensuring complete control over the sugar cane used in the production of Rhum Bologne. It was at his insistence that all sugar cane would be produced “in house” and that they would have complete control over all aspects of its production. He felt it was imperative that a distillery owned its own sugar cane plantation.

This ethos is perhaps best shown in recent times by the introduction of Rhum Bologne Black Cane, which highlights specific strains of sugar cane. Showing just how much “terroir” and cane variety can have on the flavour of the rhum. It is also noted that Bologne Distillery do not distil beyond 75% ABV, to retain the flavour of the sugar cane.

Should you wish to learn more about Rhum Bologne then they have their own website, which has quite a lot of historical details and information about their rums.

In terms of Rhum Bologne VO Rhum Vieux is a blend of rhums aged between 3 and 6 years. The blend will change to fit a particular flavour profile – hence on exact age statement is used. The rums are aged in ex-french oak barrels and the rum is bottled at 41% ABV.

In the glass we are presented with a light brown to gold coloured liquid. The nose is fruity and nicely balanced. I’m not sure if the ex-french oak barrels will mean cognac necessarily. I am certainly, getting a big hit of orange/apricot which reminds me of the spirit. Beneath this are some nicely balanced oak spices and some very fresh sugar cane aromas.

Further nosing reveals some banana, light toffee and vanilla. All in all its quite an elegant and very inviting nose.

The initial sip is very easy going and not at all “rough” in any way. It’s smooth (but not in dosed up with sugar and glycerin way) with some rich warming notes of apricot, peach, a touch of brandy and some baking spices. There is a vegetal/sugar cane note so you know it is an Agricole Rhum but it is not taking over the profile.

The mid palate develops nicely with more buttery like baking notes coming into play. Canned syrupy peaches and some tarte-tatin. There’s a touch of cinnamon and a really nice development of the oak and a lovely rich spicy note.

Finish wise, it is satisfying but its not he longest I have ever experienced. It fades out a touch quicker than I would like. That said what is there is very nice.

This rhum reminds me very much of Rhum JM XO. Kind of like its younger brother. It tastes well aged but it isn’t quite as complex. It’s got a nice profile as well which is approachable to someone unfamiliar with agricole. The oak ageing gives it more of a “molasses rum” profile. At the same time, it doesn’t dominate the sugar cane.

It has certainly been worth the £25 I paid for it. I certainly wouldn’t baulk at paying £35-40 for a bottle. Agricole Rhum is rarely cheap here in the UK and this does the job of a sipper very well.

So well in fact two bottles down I didn’t mix a drop.