Trois Rivières
Trois Rivières Rum is a renowned rhum agricole brand with deep roots in Martinique, tracing its origins to 1660 and the founding of the historic Trois Rivières plantation. Located in Sainte-Luce on the island’s sun-drenched southern coast, the estate enjoys a unique terroir—mineral-rich clay soils, abundant sunlight, and steady trade winds from both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. These distinctive natural elements shape the character and complexity of every Trois Rivières rum.
While Trois Rivières was initially a sugar-producing plantation, the estate gradually pivoted toward rum production. By the early 20th century—under visionary owners like Amédée Aubéry—sugar refining was phased out, and the distillery dedicated itself entirely to crafting rhum agricole from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice (vesou). This transition cemented Trois Rivières as a leader in Martinique’s agricole tradition.
Trois Rivières operates under the rigorous AOC Rhum Agricole de Martinique regulations, ensuring that every aspect—from cane varietals and harvesting windows to fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging—meets the highest standards of quality and provenance. This AOC certification is a mark of authenticity and excellence.
In production:
Sugar cane is carefully harvested between February and June, when the stalks are at their aromatic peak. This timing preserves the vibrant freshness and complexity that define Trois Rivières rums.
Fermentation takes about 24–30 hours in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, yielding a fragrant cane wine (vin de canne) at 4–5% ABV. This process develops the floral, grassy, and fruity notes that are hallmarks of the house style.
Distillation is performed in traditional Creole column stills—crafted from both copper and modern steel composites—producing a vibrant white rhum at 65–75% ABV. This high-precision process preserves the estate’s signature freshness and cane character, ensuring it remains unaltered before aging or dilution.
Aging takes place in a mix of American and French oak barrels—both new and previously used. This range of casks allows Trois Rivières to craft an array of aged agricole rums (“vieux,” VSOP, XO, and vintage blends) alongside their acclaimed white rhums. Barrel selection and tropical maturation impart complexity, depth, and refined structure to the aged expressions.
Ownership of Trois Rivières has changed hands over the years, with the brand joining the Campari portfolio (via Rhumantilles) in 2019. This partnership has expanded the distillery’s global reach while preserving its artisanal roots and Martinican identity.
Signature expressions include:
Trois Rivières Blanc Agricole: A flagship white rhum, celebrated for its vibrant freshness, grassy and herbal tones, zesty citrus, and pure cane juice character. It is a favorite for cocktails, especially the classic Ti’ Punch.
Cuvée de l’Océan: An innovative white agricole distilled exclusively from cane grown on ocean-facing plots. This expression reveals distinctive marine, saline, and mineral notes—an homage to the maritime terroir of southern Martinique.
VSOP / Vieux / Vintage Rums: Aged agricole rums ranging from VSOP to XO and rare vintage releases—including single cask bottlings and special multi-millésime blends. These rums are noted for their harmony of oak, spice, dried fruit, and lingering cane freshness.
The estate’s deep connection to terroir is evident in its vast sugarcane fields, spanning roughly 600 hectares, with approximately 120 hectares actively under cultivation. Trois Rivières cultivates multiple cane varieties, including reed cane (B59.62), straw cane (R570), and blue cane (B69.566), each contributing unique flavors and aromas to the blends.
Trois Rivières strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity—preserving ancestral practices such as optimal harvesting windows, Creole column distillation, and heritage cane varietals, while continuously innovating with new expressions, vintage releases, and unique tasting experiences. Visitors can explore the estate’s rum factory museum, tour the cane fields, witness distillation and aging first-hand, and sample exclusive cuvées—making Trois Rivières a destination for rum lovers and cultural explorers alike.
