Martinique: Saint James Rum Distillery
Saint James is a historic Martinique rum distillery, known for producing high-quality agricole rum. Actually, it’s not called rum, but rather rhum agricole to distinguish it from all other rum variations. Rhum agricole is made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than molasses, giving it a distinct flavor profile. When mainland France developed sugar production from sugar beets in 1811, the demand for sugar cane from Martinique and Guadeloupe dropped precipitously, and the sugar factories turned to producing rum using freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, which now became abundant. Martinique rum even carries the AOC designation – French protected designation of origin, “AOC Martinique Rhum Agricole” – like cognac or champagne. In Martinique, AOC labeled rhum agricole are distilled to 70% alcohol and then watered down to 40–55%. After three years of aging oak barrels, the rhum is called “rhum vieux” aka “old rum”. Saint James is one of the oldest distilleries on the island, with a legacy dating back to 1765. You can explore all the facilities and the extensive museum on your own, before getting an awesome tasting of as many rums as you want. I meant – rhums!
