Martinique

Martinique, a lush jewel of the French Caribbean, is acclaimed worldwide for its rhum agricole—an artisanal rum made directly from fresh sugarcane juice (vesou), not molasses. This style is celebrated for its vibrant expression of terroir. It stands alone as the only rum globally to receive an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), guaranteeing strict standards of origin, cultivation, and production.

The island’s rhum legacy shines through its renowned distilleries:

• Rhum Clément: Founded on the historic Clément estate, it offers a full range of AOC-certified rums—from crisp Blanc to the complex 15-Year Vieux—exemplifying the finesse of Martinique’s agricole tradition.

  
  

• Rhum J.M.: Established in 1845 at Habitation Bellevue on the slopes of Montagne Pelée, Rhum J.M. is renowned for its rich terroir, traditional copper stills, and intensely aromatic agricoles.

  
  

• Rhum Saint-James: Founded in 1765, Saint-James crafts a spectrum of AOC-protected agricoles—from vibrant white and paille to richly aged vieux and hors d’âge—showcasing both diversity and tradition.

  
  

• Rhum Depaz: Nestled at the foot of Montagne Pelée since 1917, Depaz is lauded for its award-winning aged agricoles, which express volcanic minerality and elegance.

  
  

• Maison La Mauny: Dating to 1749, La Mauny is a pioneer of plantation-to-bottle agricole rum, with a volcanic microclimate imparting exceptional quality to its cane and spirits.

  
  

• Duquesne: Formerly Trois Rivières, Duquesne is now produced at La Mauny, preserving its unique distillation lineage and unwavering AOC quality.

Other esteemed names—Neisson, La Favorite, Trois Rivières, HSE, Dillon—add further distinction to Martinique’s vibrant agricole landscape.

The island’s rhum agricole legacy is rooted in centuries of sugarcane cultivation and uniquely refined terroir. Today, this celebrated spirit represents a cornerstone of Martinique’s agricultural economy—over 80% of the island’s cane harvest is transformed into rhum agricole—and distilleries welcome guests for immersive tours led by passionate artisans.

Martinique’s flavor spectrum ranges from crisp, grassy blancs with notes of citrus and tropical fruit to aged vieux rums, layered with vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and oak. Whether sipped neat or enjoyed in the iconic Ti Punch, these rums capture the vibrant soul of the island.