Saison Original Rum is a Cognac-minded Caribbean blend finished in France: Jérôme Tessendier selects molasses-based rums from Barbados (20%), Trinidad (60%), and Jamaica (20%), combining the richer weight of pot-still rum with the lighter lift of column distillate, then paper-filters (not chill-filters) and brings the blend into balance with demineralized water from Grande Champagne.  The component rums are aged about 5 years in ex-bourbon American white oak in their home islands, then shipped to France for a 9-month finish in mature French oak Cognac barrels on the banks of the Charente, and it’s gradually reduced to 42% ABV without added sugar, which helps it drink dry, polished, and “grown up.”  In the glass it lands as a smooth, elegant gold rum with white-flower aromatics, baked pineapple, and molasses cake, rolling into a lush palate that fades out with vanilla and melon (and a gentle Cognac-like rancio/oak nuance from that French-oak finish).