Select Barrel is Clement’s entry level aged rhum agricole. This would theoretically put it in competition with Rhum J.M’s Gold, or Neisson’s Eleve Sous Bois, but in practice this is kind of a silly comparison, as both of those are bottled at a robust 50% ABV, compared with Select Barrel’s more pedestrian 40%. In general Clement seems to lean towards profiles that are approachable and have broad appeal, so on some level this is unsurprising, but it always raises the question if it will have enough going on to hold the attention of enthusiasts and nerds (🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️).

We measured a density of 0.947g/cc and a refractive index of 1.3549, indicating no additives, and in line with the requirements for the Martinique Rhum Agricole AOC.

On the nose there are some classic Clement hallmarks: dried apple, lemon zest. There’s some almond, dried currant, and notes of brandy, but there’s also a bit of a weird plastic element. The palate is agreeable: more apple, ginger, honey. The finish is light, but what there is tends towards a bit of grape must.

In our blind taste test we thought it was okay as a neat sipper (6.9/10) and great as a mixer (8.3/10). I came in with the concern Select Barrel might be too milquetoast to be interesting, but I walk away more concerned it wouldn’t be the most approachable introduction to an agricole newcomer, a niche Clement normally excels in. To be fair, compared to J.M.’s Gold or Neisson’s ESB it’s still a really approachable introduction to the category. It’s not a bad rum, and gets the job done in a cocktail, but there are so many great options in its category it’s hard to recommend Clement Select Barrel as a standout favorite.

The Superficial: Standard Clement fare, but with a screw top instead of a cork; the bottle generally looks nice, but there’s a lack of texture and general glossiness that isn’t my personal favorite.