Rhum agricole

Rhum Agricole

Rhum agricole is a unique style of rum that originates from the French Caribbean islands. Unlike most rums, which are made from molasses, rhum agricole is made directly from sugarcane juice, giving it a distinct flavor profile.

History

The production of rhum agricole began in the late 19th century when a decline in sugar prices led French Caribbean producers to look for other ways to utilize their sugarcane crops. They began distilling the fresh sugarcane juice into rum, a practice that was already common in other rum-producing regions such as Brazil and Martinique.

Production

The production process of rhum agricole begins with the harvesting of sugarcane. The sugarcane is then crushed to extract the juice, which is fermented and distilled. The resulting spirit is typically aged in oak barrels, although unaged versions are also produced.

Styles

There are several styles of rhum agricole, including blanc (white), ambré (amber), and vieux (old). Blanc rhum agricole is unaged and has a clear color, while ambré and vieux are aged for varying lengths of time, resulting in darker colors and more complex flavors.

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée

In 1996, rhum agricole from Martinique was granted an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), a French certification granted to certain French geographical indications for wines, cheeses, butters, and other agricultural products. This certification guarantees that all production of the rum is carried out in the specified region using specific methods.

Tasting Notes

Rhum agricole is known for its grassy, herbal flavors, which are a result of its sugarcane juice base. It also often has notes of tropical fruit, spice, and oak, especially in aged versions.

Cocktails

Rhum agricole is often used in cocktails, including the classic Ti' Punch, which is made with rhum agricole, lime, and cane syrup.

See Also

• Rum
• Cachaça
• Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée

References

• Rhum: The Spirit of Martinique by Ed Hamilton
• The Complete Guide to Rum by Ed Hamilton
• The Rum Experience by Joy Spence

External Links

• Rhum Agricole Network
• Martinique Tourism Board

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  Ti-punch