Rhum J.M. XO is very refined almost slipping into cognac like sweetness but it has just enough vegetal notes to remain very much a rhum. There is a lovely finesse about the nose. A really enjoyable spicy oakiness envelopes the grassier notes of freshly mown grass and straw. Notes of vanilla move in and out of the nose giving it an almost molasses rum like feel. A touch of malt vinegar adds body to the nose which I could nose happily for hours.