Saint James

Introduction:

Saint James Rum proudly carries the esteemed designation of “Rhum Agricole AOC Martinique”, a prestigious accolade awarded since 1996, subject to stringent guidelines that ensure the Rum’s authenticity and quality. The guidelines encompass essential factors such as the origin of the sugar cane used and the specific distillation method employed.

Saint James offers an array of distinct product ranges, each showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that define their exceptional Rums. Among these ranges are the Cocktail Rum Range, represented by the Saint James Rhum Royal Ambré and the Saint James Rhum Imperial Blanc, both designed to elevate cocktail creations.

For those seeking a sipping experience, the Rhums de dégustation series at Saint James presents a selection of aged Rums. The Saint James Rhum VSOP gracefully matures for a minimum of four years in oak casks on Martinique, while the Saint James Rhum XO gains depth and character over a period of six to 12 years in oak casks. Additionally, the Saint James Rhum 12 Years is a true delight, having been meticulously aged for 12 years in small oak casks on the island, resulting in a truly exquisite Rum.

With its commitment to excellence, adherence to AOC guidelines, and an impressive range of distinctive Rums, Saint James has firmly established itself as a premier purveyor of exceptional Rhum Agricole from Martinique.

The Production:

Saint James Rum prides itself on sourcing its sugar cane exclusively from its own vast production fields in Martinique, encompassing more than 2,000 hectares. A dedication to sustainability and environmental consciousness is evident in the distillery’s practices. The sugar cane is meticulously hand – harvested, minimizing the impact on the environment.

To further reduce their carbon footprint, Saint James employs a unique approach by utilizing “C4” sugar cane type, which has a remarkable ability to sequester CO2, aiding in carbon capture. This choice underscores the distillery’s commitment to preserving the environment.

In line with their eco – conscious philosophy, Saint James ingeniously repurposes the fibrous residue of sugar cane, known as bagasse, to generate steam for operating the distillation columns and mills. Additional bagasse is either composted or transformed into electricity through a generator, showcasing their innovative and sustainable practices.

Rigorously selective, Saint James opts to use only the juice from the first pressing, often referred to as “virgin cane juice”, for Rum production. This premium – quality juice adds depth and authenticity to their exceptional Rums.

With its harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, Saint James continues to create exceptional Rhum Agricole, reflecting not only the rich flavors of the land but also the devotion to preserving it for future generations.

The History:

The history of Saint James Rum dates back to 1765 when Father Edmund Lefébure established a sugar cane plantation in Martinique. Initially, he distilled tafia an un – aged Rum, from molasses residues to supply the hospital he led. Over time, the Rum’s quality improved, and he began producing high – quality Rum under the name Trou Vaillant. As the name was challenging to pronounce in English colonies, the Rum was soon renamed ‘Saint James’, an anglicized version of Saint Jacques, the patron saint.

In 1882, Paulin Lambert, a merchant from Marseille, acquired the Habitation Trou Vaillant and the Saint James brand. He introduced the distinctive square – bottomed bottle for Saint James Rum and was the first to offer vintage Rums to his customers from 1885.

The eruption of the Pelée volcano in 1902 devastated the city of Saint – Pierre, but Saint James was fortunately only partially affected, allowing operations to quickly resume.

In 1973, the Cointreau company acquired Saint James and built a new distillery in Sainte – Marie, close to the sugar cane plantations. In 2003, Saint James became part of La Martiniquaise, continuing its legacy of producing exceptional Rhum Agricole with a rich history and a commitment to quality.

The Visitor Centre:

The Saint James Rum Distillery warmly welcomes visitors to explore its fascinating world of Rum production. Guided tours offer guests an immersive experience, taking them through the distillery’s operations and showcasing the art of crafting exquisite Rhum Agricole. The Rum museum and vintage cellar provide an enriching historical perspective, shedding light on the heritage and traditions of Rum-making in Martinique.

An exciting highlight of the visit is the opportunity to take a ride on a charming small train, which meanders through the lush sugar cane plantations, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes. The journey leads to Habitation La Salle, a former sugar factory dating back to the late 17th century. At Habitation La Salle, visitors can delve into the captivating history of Rhum Agricole in Martinique, immersing themselves in the captivating stories and tales of the past.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and Rum expertise, the Saint James Rum Distillery promises an unforgettable experience for Rum enthusiasts, history buffs, and tourists alike. From the modern distillery to the captivating exhibits and the journey through the picturesque sugar cane plantations, the visit to Saint James offers an authentic and delightful exploration of the world of Rum in the heart of Martinique.

Visitor information:

Distillerie Saint-James
7 VC de Bezaudin
Sainte – Marie 97230
Martinique
Tel: +596 596 69 50 37