Saint Benevolence

The Dorcinvil Distillery in Saint Michel de l'Attalaye, Haiti, has a long family tradition of producing clairin and is known for its authentic craftsmanship and the preservation of traditional sugarcane varieties. For the Saint Benevolence Aged Rum Clairin, the local varieties—Cristalline, Madame Meuze, Farine France, and 24/14—are harvested by hand and, after an 8- to 10-day wild yeast fermentation, distilled in a traditional, handcrafted hybrid pot still. The Clairin is then aged for 18 to 22 months in new American oak barrels, which imparts additional depth and complexity. In the glass, it displays a rich amber hue. The bouquet opens with notes of cherry cola, honey, and vanilla, before a pleasantly round texture with subtle sweetness unfolds on the palate. Aromas of fresh apple tannins, pink pepper, and grapefruit zest lend it an exciting, multi-layered character and a long finish. This exceptional Clairin is particularly impressive when enjoyed neat at room temperature or with a single large ice cube, which gently brings out its complex aromas.

The Dorcinvil Distillery in Saint Michel de l'Attalaye, Haiti, combines traditional clairin production with genuine craftsmanship and regional ingredients. For Saint Benevolence Mango, the characterful Haitian clairin is macerated in small batches with dried mangoes for 36 hours and then refined with the distillery’s own clairin, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Subtle hints of lime zest and cinnamon harmoniously round out the composition and lend it additional depth. The result is an extraordinary spirit that combines the fruity side of Haiti with the authentic character of the sugarcane distillate. The nose reveals intense aromas of ripe mango and delicate buttery notes. On the palate, juicy mango, a subtle spiciness, and a hint of oak unfold, followed by a pleasantly dry finish with delicate citrus notes. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a fruity highball with dry vermouth, or as a special ingredient in creative rum cocktails, Saint Benevolence Mango reveals its tropical freshness and unmistakable character.

Their love of rum led Chase and Chalvin Babcock (father and son) to found the Saint Benevolence brand in 2017. They were supported by Haitian-born Reverend Gueillant Dorcinvil, with whom they had collaborated on charitable projects in Haiti for four decades. Saint Benevolence Rum Clairin is based on a proprietary blend of premium sugarcane juice and sugarcane syrup, perfectly reflecting both the unique terroir of Haiti and the traditions of the village of Saint Michel. The sugarcane is hand-harvested, pressed, and fermented with wild yeasts for five to seven days. A small portion of the freshly pressed sugarcane juice is reduced to syrup and then fermented using the Saint Michel method. The juice and syrup are distilled separately in a single run through a handcrafted pot still. The result is a bright, crystal-clear rum that offers aromas of green banana and wasabi, accompanied by earthy smokiness and wet gravel. On the palate, it reveals a rich texture with roasted white peppercorns, cloves, green olive mignonette, and a hint of sweetness in the finish.