Vieux Sajous 5 year old Haitian rum 58.3% – Authentic clairin from Haiti

Vieux Sajous 5 year old rum is a rare and characterful rum from Haiti, created in the famous clairin tradition. This is a rum with enormous personality, where raw terroir, traditional craftsmanship and tropical aging merge to create a deep and complex experience. Distilled in 2019 and aged for five years in the warm climate of Haiti, this edition gives the rum an intense aromatic development.

The rum is made from 100% Cristalline sugar cane from the plateau around Saint Michel de l’Attalaye. This area is known for its unique microclimate and fertile soil, which gives the sugar cane a unique aromatic character. After distillation, the rum is aged in a carefully selected blend of 21 casks that have previously held both single malt whisky and rum. This aging rounds out the raw energy of the claret and adds depth, structure and complexity.

Vieux Sajous is an exciting example of how Haitian clairin can evolve through aging. Whereas young clairin is often explosive and powerful, it becomes more rounded, elegant and complex after several years of barrel aging. The result is a rum with both intense aromatics and a silky smooth structure.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Floral and fruity aromas with exotic fruits, citrus and ripe pineapple.
• Palate: Complex and full-bodied with vanilla, roasted nuts and a slight smoky note from the barrel aging.
• Finish: Long and balanced with notes of caramel, oak and a slight mineral character.

The story behind Sajous and Haitian clairin

Behind Vieux Sajous is Michel Sajous, one of Haiti’s most respected distillers. Located in Saint Michel de l’Attalaye, his Chelo distillery produces traditional clairin using methods passed down through generations.

It is produced using only locally grown organic sugar cane. The cane is harvested by hand and pressed shortly after harvest, after which the juice is naturally fermented and distilled in traditional pot stills. This method produces rums with incredible aromatic depth and a strong connection to the terroir.

Today, Clairin from Sajous is considered among the most authentic rums in the world. Aged versions like Vieux Sajous offer a unique opportunity to experience how this distinctive Haitian style evolves through barrel aging.

Product information

• Producer: Sajous (Chelo Distillery)
• Origin: Haiti
• Type: Aged clairin rum
• Distilled: 2019
• Age: 5 years old
• Raw material: 100% Cristalline sugar cane
• Casks: Blend of 21 casks (former single malt and rum)
• Quantity: 70 cl
• Alcohol content: 58.3%