The cold winds are blowing, the snow is falling, and a deep, damp chill covers the lands. Old man winter is here, and he seems intent on hanging around. Fear not, gentle readers. Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training soon, and there is always the pleasant prospect of a warming dram of Grenadian rum to brighten the day!

Rum fans and readers alike may recall the name Renegade. WWG wrote about the brand last year, and I’m pleased to announce that Renegade Rum has released a compelling collection of Cuvées for your consideration. Grown and distilled in Grenada, Renegade Rum has launched two new expressions of aged rums in the US. These rum blends, a.k.a. cuvées, celebrate the terroir-focused micro origins of single cane agriculture and the blending skills of Distillery Manager Devon Date and pioneering founder Mark Reynier. Renegade has explored the depths of Granada’s sugarcane varietals, terroir, and distillation. Since launching last summer, the pre-cask editions (un-aged) of cane spirits have focused on the flavor of cane grown in the island’s varied areas and soils. It’s with these various single-cane expressions Devon Date layers and orchestrates the rums of the island.

Cuvée is the French word for “vat,” meaning “blended.” Winemakers use the term to represent a wine blending different grape varietals. The blends can be particular to the region or even a single vineyard. Taking this as inspiration, Renegade applied the term to rum made by blending sugarcane varietals from different growing regions around the island. Unlike previous expressions released in the US, these rums have matured in French and American Oak barrels in the Caribbean climate. Renegade has also produced an unaged Pre-Cask blend called Cuvée Aura, which contains sugarcane from every cane-growing area in Grenada.

All-Island Cuvée: Nova represents the distillery’s greatest assemblage of individual terroirs, Single Farm Origins, sugarcane varieties (includes cane varietals Lacalome Red, Yellow Lady, Lodger, Cain, Clean Ester), distillation methods (pot and column stills), and cask wood types. The blend highlights the complexity and nuance that only the island of Grenada can create. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is harmonious, intense, and profound. The nose contains that prized rum funk with hints of perfumed wood. The dryness on the palate yields to a gentle Carmel-like sweetness that finishes with lush, fruity notes and a hint of raisin/spice. This is a sipper, for sure.

Single Farm Cuvée: Dunfermline is a true reflection of the terroir and the blender’s art. Inspired by the Grand Vins of Bordeaux, it combines multiple rums made from a single cane varietal (Lacalome Red) grown at Dunfermline Farm and distilled from pot and column stills. The 50% ABV preserves the expression of “place” and features the bold, rich characteristics of the rum. The nose is sweet and grassy, with hints of tropical pineapple and banana. After a sip, sweet citrus comes forward with a pleasant, burnished marmalade tartness. The finish is soft and buttery and finishes with a pleasant sweetness. This is a dessert rum, for sure!

Rum enthusiasts and aged-spirit fans will celebrate these two cask-matured offerings. True cane flavors are showcased beautifully here. Renegade Rum manages to capture the distinct characteristics of every field and farm. The precision of place and the flavors of provenance are at once harmonious, intense, and profound.