La Favorite
La Favorite is one of Martinique’s last truly independent, family-owned distilleries, with deep roots in the island’s storied tradition of rhum agricole. The origins of the estate trace back to 1842, when the plantation “La Jambette” was founded. In 1851, Charles Henri acquired the property and renamed it “La Favorite”, setting the foundation for more than a century of artisanal rum-making.
Despite facing numerous challenges—including financial hardships and a devastating hurricane in 1891—the estate found new life in 1909, when Henri Dormoy relaunched operations. He pivoted the focus from sugar production to rhum agricole, modernizing the distillery with a steam engine, distillation column, and a cane railway for transporting freshly harvested cane. This set La Favorite on a path toward enduring craft and innovation.
Today, La Favorite cultivates around 60 hectares of sugarcane, supplying about 80% of its production needs, with the balance sourced from nearby small growers who share the distillery’s commitment to quality. The cane is crushed by a vintage 1906 steam engine, fired with bagasse (spent cane fiber), making the operation essentially energy self-sufficient and environmentally conscious.
Production features include:
Fermentation at La Favorite lasts 48–72 hours in large vats, using baker’s yeast—a notably longer time than typical for many agricoles. This extended fermentation encourages deeper, more complex aromatics and flavors in the resulting rum.
Distillation is performed on two columns: an all-copper column installed in 1957 for the “Coeur de Canne” line, and a half-stainless, half-copper column added in 1986, dedicated to the flagship “Authentique” rum. This dual-column approach allows for nuanced, expressive distillates tailored to each range.
La Favorite’s portfolio spans a remarkable range of rhums, each reflecting the estate’s emphasis on terroir and craftsmanship:
White / Blanc Agricole: “Authentique,” “Bel’Air,” “La Digue,” “Brut 2 Colonnes,” “Coeur de Canne,” and others. The range includes high-proof whites (about 50–74% ABV), prized for their intensity and vibrant cane character.
Amber / Aged Agricole / Vieux & Vintage: Includes rhums aged in ex-bourbon, ex-whiskey, and cognac barrels, as well as rare vintage “eaux.” Standout bottlings like “La Flibuste” and “Navigation” are matured for 4–6 years or much longer, offering remarkable depth and complexity.
Flavor & tasting profile:
Whites: Expect crisp, expressive notes of fresh cane, citrus zest, cut grass, and a bouquet of floral, herbal, and herbaceous aromas. The palate reveals vibrant vegetal and bright fruity characters—hallmarks of Martinique’s finest agricoles.
Aged / Vieux / Vintage: These rums reveal layers of rich vanilla, warming spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg), dried fruit, toasted oak, caramel, and occasionally notes of cocoa or prune. The finish is warm, lingering, and satisfyingly complex. La Favorite is deeply committed to expressing terroir through vintage and single-harvest (“single parcel”) releases, as well as limited-edition bottlings.
The distillery preserves artisanal methods—relying on its historic steam engine, estate cane cultivation, and small-batch production—to ensure that every bottle remains a true reflection of Martinique’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
