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Rhum J.M: 175 Years of Distilling from Martinique's Volcanic Soil

Rhum J.M: 175 Years of Distilling from Martinique's Volcanic Soil

Martinique: The Birthplace of Rhum Agricole

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Fonds-Préville Distillery is situated in Macouba, in the north-east of Martinique. Established in 1845, this distillery is set between the Roches River and the Macouba River, at the foot of Mount Pelée, surrounded by incredible biodiversity. The distillery is encircled by cane fields within the 300-hectare Fonds-Préville estate, which dates back to 1790.

A Tradition of Excellence Since 1845

Rhum J.M is renowned by connoisseurs and the press as the "best old rum in the world." This acclaim is due to its unique flavor, which stems from generations of expertise and a commitment to traditional farming and production methods. The rich volcanic soil, pure water, fresh sugar cane, and the contrasting climate of Martinique contribute to the distinctive character of Rhum J.M.

Historical Roots and Evolution

In the late 18th century, Antoine Leroux-Préville acquired a 164-hectare estate in Macouba and established a sugar mill named Fonds-Préville. In 1845, Jean-Marie Martin transformed the estate into a distillery, marking the beginning of Rhum J.M. The distillery gained popularity, and in 1912, it was acquired by the Crassous de Médeuil family, who expanded the estate to 400 hectares and made significant improvements. In 2002, the Martinique-based G.B.H family business bought the distillery and modernized it, making it a model of harmony with nature.

Macouba: A Generous Nature

The valley around the distillery is covered with diverse vegetation, creating a unique ecosystem with native species. The volcanic soil of Mount Pelée, rich in andesite, is particularly fertile for sugar cane. The tropical climate, with its alternating shadows and bright light, trade winds, and rain, gives a vegetal side to the rum, while the sun adds sweetness and floral notes. The pure, mineral-rich water from the Roches River, filtered by volcanic rocks, is essential for soaking the cane.

The Soul of Rhum Agricole: Sugar Cane

Sugar cane cultivation is central to Rhum J.M's identity. The distillery creates its own cane plants, which are grafted and grown in a nursery before being planted for four to five years. Harvesting occurs annually from February to June, with over 75% of the cane sourced from the immediate vicinity of the distillery to ensure freshness. The Fonds-Préville Distillery processes three main varieties of cane: Canne Roseau, Canne Bleue, and Canne Rouge, continually experimenting to achieve excellence.

The Fermentation Process

Rhum J.M's fermentation process is crucial for creating their distinctive Rhum Agricole. Fresh sugar cane juice is extracted and immediately pumped into large, open-topped stainless steel fermenters, ensuring freshness. French bakers' yeast is added to initiate fermentation, which typically lasts about 24 hours, resulting in a sugar cane wine with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 4.5%. This process adheres to the strict regulations of the Martinique AOC, ensuring the highest quality.

From Fermentation to Distillation

Distillation is the heart of Rhum J.M's manufacturing process. Using traditional equipment, including two copper Creole columns, the distillery transforms fermented cane juice into white alcohol, revealing the rum's aromas. The process produces crystal-clear rum with an alcohol content of 70% to 73% vol. During the harvest season, the distillery produces an average of 15,000 liters of rum per day, which is then transferred to maturation tanks.

The Art of Aging

At the Fonds-Préville Distillery, rum is aged in American or French oak barrels, which have previously contained bourbon. The aging process in the cellars transforms the rum's color from gold to copper, amber, or mahogany, while the interaction between the wood and alcohol develops new aromatic qualities. The distillery masters the ancestral art of barrel charring, an essential step for the quality of its old rums, imparting vanilla, caramelized, creamy, and spicy notes to the final product. The evaporation rate (angel share) is about 8% a year.

Rhum J.M's dedication to traditional methods and nature makes it a standout, offering a taste of Martinique's rich heritage and natural abundance.

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