Rhum Agricole VSOP, Rhum JM (Martinique)

• Aged rhum agricole produced by Rhum J.M in Macouba, Martinique
• AOC Martinique Rhum Vieux Agricole VSOP (aged in oak for a minimum 4 years)
• Distilled from sugarcane juice; sugarcane is grown on the J.M estate and surrounding farms located near the distillery
• Sugarcane is crushed within one hour of harvest and open fermented with French baker’s yeast for 24 hours
• Distilled on a Creole copper column still
• Aged on-site at the Fonds-Préville distillery for a minimum of 4 years; 3 years in a combination of new American oak and re-charred ex-bourbon barrels, and at least one year in French oak barrels of varying capacity and char level
• Proofed with spring water sourced from Mt. Pelée
• J.M’s characteristic grassy notes demure, allowing brioche, clove, and dehydrated lemon to inhabit the nose. A palate of crème caramel, chestnuts, and bananas sautéed in browned butter leads to a dry finish of hay and Lady Grey tea.
• No added sugar or coloring
• 43% ABV

At a minimum four years of age, this expression qualifies as a VSOP agricole rum—Very Superior Old Pale—and shares this designation—along with its brandy-like character—with its French cousin Cognac.