R. St Barth
R. St Barth (or Rhum St Barth) is a luxury agricole rum brand founded in 2010–2011 by French footballer Mikaël Silvestre and his wife Séverine. While the brand draws its identity from the chic and exclusive atmosphere of Saint-Barthélemy (“St Barth”), the rum is actually crafted in Guadeloupe using the traditional agricole method—distilled from fresh, hand-harvested sugar cane juice. This union of French Caribbean terroir and Saint Barth lifestyle gives the brand its unique allure.
The sugar cane is cultivated on volcanic and mineral-rich soils in Guadeloupe, where the combination of terroir and a tropical climate yields juice with remarkable depth and aromatic intensity. Every step—fermentation, distillation, and aging—is handled with meticulous artisanal care, ensuring that each bottle captures the essence of the land and the craft.
Key expressions in the R. St Barth lineup include:
Authentique / Hors d’Âge 12-Year: Distilled from 1998-harvested cane juice, this standout expression is aged for 12 years in recharged ex-bourbon, ex-cognac, and ex-Scotch casks. Bottled unfiltered and released as a strictly limited edition (about 2,000 individually numbered bottles), it embodies the pinnacle of luxury agricole rum.
Ambré “Chic”: Aged for approximately four years in a mix of ex-bourbon, ex-cognac, and other oak casks, this expression delivers balance between cane freshness and refined barrel influence.
Blanc “Cool”: An unaged (white) agricole rum, Blanc “Cool” is marked by its vibrant fresh cane character and lively minerality, the result of natural fermentation and careful distillation. Select bottlings are offered at elevated proofs for added intensity.
Tasting & Flavor Profile:
Authentique 12-Year: Deep amber in color, this rum opens with aromas and flavors of dried apricot and plum, roasted nuts (such as almond and Brazil nut), warm spices (including nutmeg and cinnamon), oak, and toasted wood. Hints of leather, orange marmalade, and gently smoky tannins round out a complex, elegant finish. A true sipping rum for connoisseurs.
Blanc: The Blanc delivers a vibrant, fresh profile dominated by green cane, herbal and vegetal notes, bright minerality, and subtle citrus undertones—a classic expression of agricole purity.
Other notable points:
Production is extremely limited, underscoring the brand’s high-end, luxury positioning. The Authentique 12-Year is especially prized as a low-volume, individually numbered release sought after by collectors.
R. St Barth rums are aimed at discerning collectors, connoisseurs who prefer to sip neat, and those seeking a prestige gift or centerpiece for special occasions.
The brand’s visual identity and messaging evoke the lifestyle of Saint Barth—elegance, exclusivity, and the effortless sophistication of island living—helping R. St Barth stand out in the world of luxury rums.
