HOT DAYS, SAULTRY NIGHTS WHEN RUM RELAXES AND REVIVES.

Today is all about Rum or Rhum if we are talking about the Rhums of Martinique. Weather it is in a cocktail or a quiet respite with your favorite cigar the Rhums of Martinique seem to fit the bill.

 When talking about Martinique Rhum we also need to discuss A.O.C. Rhum Agricole. A.O.C. stands for Appellation d’Origine Controlee, and its designation makes Martinique Rhum Agricole the Champagne of rums.

Only those rhums obtained by distilling fresh, fermented sugarcane juice have the right to bear the label “Appellation d’Origine Controlee Martinique.

Its process which dates back to the late 1800’s takes succulent sugarcanes cut very close to the earth, crushed for its pure free-run cane juice, then naturally fermented over 2-3 days into a sugarcane wine called Vesou. After a short rest, the delicate “Vesou” is distilled to 72 percent alcohol or 144 proof. The result is a clean, smooth rhum agricole, which is then reduced slowly over several months to obtain balance, essential for the best cocktails; or to mature into some of the world’s finest aged rums. 

One of the largest producers on Martinique is Rhum Clement. Its founder Homera Clement purchased domaine de l’Acajou with a simple intention to stop rioting planter’s and have them return to the fields to harvest the sugarcanes during the “Great Sugar Crises.” Then pressing for the natural juice and distilled to rum. He took his imaginative idea from the brandy producers of southern France who where distilling grape wine into Cognacs. Homera is now coined as the “father of the Rhum Agricole.”

In the United States you can find five of these fantastic rums. The perfect rum for a Daiquiri is Rhum Clement Premiere Canne.

 F. Paul Pacult wrote; “A pure aroma with notes of sugar cane, cola nut, vanilla bean, and fresh flowery spirit just off the pot still. A sensational palate entry with tastes of cocoa bean, bittersweet chocolate, clack tea, and unrefined sugar; the midpalate adds an element of fresh, raw spirit. Concludes gracefully, with subtle notes of sugary sweetness, and vanilla.”

Clement Daiquiri

1 ½ oz. Clement Premiere Canne

1 oz. Clement Creole Shrubb

¾ oz. fresh lime juice

Dash of orange bitters

Rhum Clement V.S.O.P. scored a Classic 96~100 its highest recommendation by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Matured for approximately four years in the world’s finest oak barrels gives this exceptional aged rhum its brilliant mahogany color, roasted cocoa bean aroma and its illustrious smooth mellow character. It can be enjoyed either neat or your favorite cocktail such as a Rum Manhattan.

Rhum Clement Cuvee Homere features the best vintage rums of the last 15 years. Each bringing its own flavor profile making it one of the most complex rums with tremendous flavors and long lasting finish.

Rhum Clement X.O. a rare blend of very old aged rums including the highly regarded vintages of 1976, 1970 and 1952, recognized to be the finest ever in Martinique. Surely one of the finest sipping rums in the world.

Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb is the “secret ingredient” frequently used by celebrity chefs and creative mixologists around the world. A superb blend of the finest white and aged rhums married with macerated Creole spices and sun-bleached bitter orange peels.

On the smallest estate on Martinique, located in the northeast in Macouba, where the sugarcane grows on a 28-degree vertical slope in rich volcanic soil at the foot of Mount Pelee you will find the distillery of Rhum J.M.

Due to its unique location with sea breezes, rain forest, intense microclimate and high cloud cover, Rhum J.M. cuts their sugar cane later than other distillers. Its late cane cutting along with other environmental factors imparts its unique flavor.

Rhum J.M., Rhum Agricole Blanc, at 100 proof imparts a fresh, sweet, tropical fruit nose. Wonderful to drink as a simple Ti-Punch, or expertly crafted in a cocktail.

Rhum J.M. Ti-Punch

Rhum J.M. Blanc

Sugar cane or simple syrup

A small squeeze of lime.

Rhum J.M. Rhum Agricole Eleve Sous Bois, Paille (GOLD), again at 100 proof this rum is aged for 12 months in small Limousine barrels. With hints of chocolate, and Martinique spices works well in cocktails or neat.

Rhum J.M. V.S.O.P. made with a blend of 4 and 5 year old rums, has caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg notes on the palate, with an intense buttery, creamy finish. Truly and exceptional sipping rum.

Rhum J.M. Vieux Millesime 1997 (10 year) This 96 proof, cask strength rum has a rich amber color; with a nutty, herbal and chocolate nose has a velvety long and lingering finish. This is an aged rum to savor at the end of a great day or to sooth the soul after a tough one.

With Tiki drinks on fire, rum and juice drinks are again on the rise. Rum has shown a 4.6% sales growth in 1997 and is the second largest spirits category in the U.S. at more than 23.9 million cases.

 Let us know about your favorite rum experience and share your best rum cocktail recipes.

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Serve smart…live well. Enjoy responsibly.

Social Chemist 

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www.rhum-jm.com

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