What is Rhum Agricole

You now know the difference between White and Dark rum but do you know what rhum agricole is? If not, this blog post is for you! 

Rhum Agricole is the French term for "cane juice rum", which is distilled in the French West Indies islands from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice rather than from molasses.  Cane juice rums are sometimes also found in Trinidad, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

As you know now, most rums are made from molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining. 

In the sugar cane spirits industry, only rums from Martinique can carry the label "AOC Rhum Agricole". AOC literally means "Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée" (protected designation of origin).  It is a sign of recognition from French and European laws for rums produced on the island of Martinique that meet certain local standards. 

In addition to its different production process, Rhum Agricole has also a different taste. It  is often light-bodied and tends to have a beautiful scent, with fruity aromas such as bananas, passion fruit or similar fruits. Matured distillates of course absorb scents from the casks, sometimes creating lovely mixtures of vanilla, coffee and chocolate aromas.

Rhum blanc – is harmonised for 3 months in stainless steel barrels. It is said to reflect the typical taste of freshly cut sugar cane. It is brought to 50-59% alc./vol. using only water or sugar water.

Rhum paille – is matured in oak casks for about 12 to 18 months. It has a light colour and is usually bottled at 50% alc./vol.

Rhum vieux – has to mature for at least 3 years in oak casks that may not hold more than 650 litres (172 gallons). Alcohol content is 45% alc./vol. in 3-year-old rums.

Rhum Hors d'age - Rhum vieux which has to mature for at least 6 years.

Spicy rum - Spiced rums contain flavors from spices and other exotic elements that give the rum a unique and interesting characte

To buy some of the best rums in the caribbean, visit our online rum cave now!