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Julien Thimon becomes Rhum Clément cellar master

Agricole rum maker Rhum Clément has promoted Julien Thimon to the role of cellar master following the departure of Robert Peronet.

Julien Thimon has been promoted to the role of cellar master at Rhum Clément

Peronet retired from the position of cellar master in December 2020 after more than 30 years with Rhum Clément.

Peronet said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better successor. Over the years, I have observed an increase in his expertise. I will not say that the pupil has surpassed the teacher, but I think that today Julien has become an almost better nose than me.”

Thimon worked alongside Peronet for more than 18 years before stepping into the cellar master position. In the new role, Thimon will be responsible for the management of nearly 12,000 barrels across six ageing cellars at the brand’s Habitation Clément home.

The Martinique-based producer said the appointment of Thimon would result in only ‘very minor changes’ in ageing and blending as there has been enough time to prepare for the transition.

Thimon said: “I am a man of the field because, for me, the magic really happens in the cellars. To produce the best aged rum, try experiments and make new discoveries, you must be as close as possible to the barrels, talk at length with the tasting committee, and let the rum surprise you.

“This is a new role that I welcome in all humility and continuity with my previous functions. Because yes, as Robert was able to teach me, the cellar master’s role is also to ensure the transmission of his know-how. This is a role that is close to my heart and that I will continue to carry out in order to find and train our future talents.”

Following his departure from Rhum Clément, Peronet said he would act as an advisor to Thimon and the rest of the production team.

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