J.M
J.M (Rhum Agricole J.M) is one of Martinique’s most celebrated and historic distilleries, founded in 1845 by Jean-Marie Martin. Nestled in Macouba, on the island’s lush north-east coast at the foot of Mount Pelée, the distillery sits within the storied Fonds-Prévile/Bellevue estate. Its location, surrounded by rainforest and volcanic slopes, is ideal for crafting distinctive rhum agricole of exceptional quality.
Rhum J.M uses only estate-grown sugar cane, cultivated in mineral-rich volcanic soils enriched by pumice and ash from Mt. Pelée. The region’s high rainfall, steep slopes, and pure mountain spring water, together with a tropical microclimate, give the cane—and the resulting rum—a singular terroir that is reflected in every bottle.
Production strictly follows the Martinique Rhum Agricole AOC regulations. Cane is harvested at peak maturity between February and June, then pressed within hours using roller or hydraulic mills to preserve freshness. Fermentation occurs in large, open-top stainless steel tanks, utilizing native yeasts to cultivate aromatic complexity. Distillation is performed in traditional copper Creole column stills, yielding a spirit that captures the full expression of the cane and its environment.
Rhum J.M produces an extensive and highly respected range of rhums:
White Agricole / Blanc: Available at 40%, 50%, and 55% ABV (110-proof), these unaged rhums are intensely aromatic, bursting with fresh cane, vegetal, mineral, citrus, honey, and cane-flower notes. They are renowned for their versatility in cocktails and the classic Martinique Ti’ Punch.
Gold / Élevé sous bois: Lightly aged in new toasted oak or ex-bourbon barrels for a short period, these rhums balance vibrant cane character with notes of wood, vanilla, and gentle spice, offering added depth for sipping or mixing.
VSOP, XO & Vieux (Aged Rhums): Aged for several years in a combination of ex-bourbon, re-charred, and French oak barrels, these expressions display rich layers of dried fruit, vanilla, spice, almond, honey, and a long, lingering finish. Special cask finishes—such as toasted or re-charred oak—add further complexity to the flavor profile.
Specials & Atelier / Terroir Expressions: Rhum J.M also produces unique limited editions and innovative expressions, including Terroir Volcanique, Shrubb J.M (a spiced orange liqueur), Fumée Volcanique, and the Atelier series—each exploring specific aspects of terroir, cask influence, or local botanicals.
The distillery is deeply committed to sustainability. Practices include cane-field rotation for soil health, a circular economy approach that transforms by-products like bagasse and vinasse into renewable energy and fertilizer, as well as ongoing efforts to preserve local biodiversity. These initiatives ensure that Rhum J.M’s legacy is both environmentally responsible and future-focused.
