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Martinique: The Birthplace of Distillation

Since the 17

th century, the island has perpetuated the ancestral art of distillation, now embodying recognized excellence worldwide with its AOC label. Immerse yourself in this heritage by visiting its distilleries, iconic places where tradition and craftsmanship are passed down from generation to generation. Discover the secrets of making this unique spirit, from sugarcane cultivation to elaboration in stills and aging in cellars. Immerse yourself in rum tourism, a captivating experience where your senses are awakened. Explore rum museums, participate in tastings, and savor the most exquisite cocktails.

Drive along the island's roads in your rental car, discovering the enchanting landscapes surrounding the distilleries. Let yourself be carried away by this unforgettable experience in Martinique, where each glass of rum tells a story, and each distillery invites you on a unique sensory journey.

🥃 Ready to hit the road and explore the fascinating world of Martinique rum?

Come discover the distilleries of Martinique and the different techniques used in the production of the world-renowned local rum.

1- Clément Distillery: The Most Inspiring.

© Credit source : facebook clément

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Le François 97240, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

History:

Homère Clément, born in 1852 four years after the abolition of slavery, is the embodiment of the ascent of the Afro-descendant elite. In 1887, Homère Clément acquired the Acajou Estate and founded Clément Distillery, embodying the excellence and tradition of Martinique agricultural rum. At the heart of the family plantation, this distillery has preserved ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation while modernizing to meet the demands of spirits enthusiasts worldwide.

Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

In 1996, Clément agricultural rum obtained the AOC Martinique label. Over the years, Clément Distillery has been awarded prestigious prizes, testifying to the exceptional quality of its products. Multiple gold medals in international competitions crown the meticulous work of the distillery's craftsmen, ensuring that each drop of Clément rum offers an unforgettable sensory experience.

Why We Love It:

What makes Clément Distillery so special is its commitment to authenticity and sustainability. By cultivating its own sugarcane on fertile lands and favoring environmentally friendly production practices, it strives to preserve the fragile balance of its ecosystem while offering exceptional products. Choosing Clément rum means choosing excellence, tradition, and the history of a family passionate about the art of creating exceptional rums. Whether for a solo tasting or to share a friendly moment with friends, Clément rums are an invitation to travel to the heart of Martinique's exotic flavors.

Enjoy a 5% discount when visiting the Clément Foundation by presenting an Europcar Martinique keychain or a vehicle rental receipt. This is an opportunity to discover new artists through numerous events like the Art Market, a collective exhibition open to Caribbean artists.

© Crédit source : europcar martinique

2- Saint-James Distillery: The Famous Square Bottle.

© Credit source : site Saint-James

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Sainte-Marie 97230, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

History:

Founded in 1765 in Martinique, Saint-James Distillery embodies the essence of agricultural rum, steeped in over 250 years of history and tradition. The first bottles distilled within the Trou Vaillant estate were sold under the name Rhum Saint-James. Around 1882, Paulin Lambert became the owner of the estate and trademarked Saint-James with the famous square bottle. The history of Saint-James rum is marked by the passion and dedication of generations of master distillers, making it one of Martinique's most famous distilleries.

Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

Since 1996, the agricultural rums of the Saint-James brand have had the AOC Martinique label. The awards won by Saint-James Distillery are proof of its commitment to excellence and quality. Its rums have been honored several times at prestigious competitions, receiving gold medals and international distinctions.

For example, its Saint-James Réserve Privée 12-year-old rum has been awarded multiple times at the Paris General Agricultural Competition: it won the gold medal in 2001, the silver medal in 2012, and the bronze medal in 2022. These awards reflect the worldwide recognition of Saint-James Distillery as one of the best rum producers in the world.

Why We Love It:

Choosing Saint-James Rum means choosing authenticity, tradition, and excellence. It offers a sensory journey to discover the captivating soul of Martinique agricultural rum. Whether to celebrate a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of relaxation, Saint-James rums are an invitation to escape and discover Martinique's heritage.

3- La Favorite Distillery: The Smoothest White Rum in Martinique.

© Credit source : site La favorite

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Le Lamentin 97232, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

History:

Founded in 1842, La Favorite is one of the oldest distilleries in Martinique. This establishment uses steam-powered manufacturing tools. Since World War II, La Favorite Distillery has been owned by the Dormoy family. The name of this distillery was given by King Louis XV. Having appreciated the quality of this beverage (received from travelers returning from Martinique), he decided to nickname it La Favorite. Today, La Favorite's white rum is considered the smoothest on the island.

Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

The awards won by La Favorite Distillery testify to its excellence and exceptional craftsmanship. Awarded several times at the general agricultural competition for its Coeur de Canne amber rum (bronze medal) and its L'Authetique white rum (bronze medal), the brand reinforces its constant commitment to the spirituous art, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship of Martinique.

Why We Love It:

La Favorite rums are an invitation to travel to the heart of Martinique's captivating flavors and to discover the deep and enchanting soul of agricultural rum. In a bottle, La Favorite contains much more than a spirit; it embodies a precious heritage, an artisanal know-how passed down from generation to generation, for the greatest pleasure of rum enthusiasts worldwide.

4- Depaz Distillery: At the Foot of Mount Pelée.

© Credit source : facebook depaz

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Saint-Pierre 97250, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

History:

Established in 1651 in Martinique. Located at the foot of Mount Pelée, the Depaz plantation distillery is a reference in Martinique. Close to Saint-Pierre, the former capital of Martinique, it is now the last distillery in operation. It survived among fifteen rum distilleries that produced up to 10,000 liters of rum per day. Under the impact of certain norms for sugarcane production and rum production, many companies had to close their doors. To save the work of his ancestor Victor, André Depaz partnered with the Bordelais family group Bardinet, a long-time customer of Depaz Distillery.

Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

In 1922, Depaz rums won their first medal in Marseille. They have won numerous prestigious awards, consolidating their reputation for excellence and refinement. Certified AOC Martinique, Depaz brand rums demonstrate expertise. A visit to Depaz Distillery offers visitors an immersive experience, plunging them into the fascinating history of Martinique rum and allowing them to discover the closely guarded secrets of production by the Depaz family.

Why We Love It:

In addition to tasting a varied range of exceptional rums, visitors have the opportunity to explore sugarcane plantations and enjoy breathtaking views. For spirits enthusiasts and history lovers, a visit to Depaz Distillery is an incomparable experience, offering a perfect combination of tradition, innovation, and sensory delight.

By visiting this historic site accessible through a Martinique car rental formula, you will discover:

• the oldest steam engine on the island

• exceptional exhibition pieces at the steam museum

• a water wheel

• a carriage, allowing visitors to travel through the sugarcane fields and go from the distillery to the castle on the site in original conditions.

5- JM Distillery: The Jewel of Martinique.

© Credit source :facebook JM

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Macouba 97218, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

History:

JM Distillery, founded in the early 19th century in the northern heights of Martinique, has forged a reputation for excellence in agricultural rum production. Its history dates back to 1790 when planter Jean-Marie Martin established his first sugarcane plantations on the fertile lands of the region. Since then, the Martin family has devoutly preserved the artisanal traditions of rum making while adapting its methods to modern requirements.

Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

This relentless quest for quality has been rewarded many times over with prestigious awards, making JM a symbol of excellence in the world of rum. JM rums have conquered the palates of connoisseurs worldwide, and its cellar is filled with rare and precious vintages.

For example, JM's L’Atelier des rhums Épices créoles aged rum has been awarded multiple times at the general agricultural competition (gold medal in 2023 and 2024).

A visit to JM Distillery offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of Martinique rum, discover production secrets passed down from generation to generation, and taste a varied range of exceptional rums.

Why We Love It:

Nestled in the heart of lush nature, JM Distillery offers a unique experience, combining tradition and craftsmanship. For rum enthusiasts and curious souls in search of authenticity, a visit to JM is an invitation to explore the captivating soul of Martinique through its spirituous delights.

6- La Mauny Distillery: Rum with Nobility

© Source credit: La Mauny website

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Rivière Pilote 97211, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

📗 History:

Count de Mauny, Ferdinand Poulain, arrived in Martinique in 1749 and married the daughter of a plantation owner who owned an estate in Rivière-Pilote. Thus, Domaine La Mauny was born. In 1820, La Mauny Distillery expanded its activity towards the production of agricultural rum.

🥇 Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

In 1996, Maison La Mauny obtained the AOC Martinique certification, which testifies to the brand's expertise. La Mauny rums, carefully crafted from sugarcane, seduce the palates of connoisseurs worldwide with their distinctive character and incomparable refinement. In fact, its amber rum, La Mauny Héritage 1749, won the gold medal in 2019, 2022, and 2024 at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.

🥰 Why We Love It:

La Mauny Distillery in Martinique embodies the very essence of tradition and excellence in rum production. Located in the heart of the magnificent French Caribbean island, this distillery benefits from a rich heritage and craftsmanship passed down through generations. Founded over a century ago, La Mauny harmoniously combines artisanal techniques and modern innovations to create exceptional rums.

The vast sugarcane plantations surrounding the distillery provide the base ingredient for this iconic spirit, while the ideal tropical climate promotes the perfect maturation of rums.

Visitors have the opportunity to discover this fascinating process during guided tours, where they can explore the historic facilities and taste a range of award-winning rums, true expressions of Martinique's terroir.

7- HSE Distillery: Classified as a Historic Monument

© Source credit: HSE website

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Gros-Morne 97213, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📗 History:

Founded in the 19th century, HSE takes its name from the initials of the former sugar plantation, Habitation Saint-Étienne, where the distillery is located. Since its inception, HSE has been committed to producing exceptionally high-quality rums, preserving traditional distillation methods, and using modern techniques to ensure unmatched flavor and finesse.

🥇 Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

Honored on numerous occasions for its Ragtime, Château Marquis de Terme finish, and Parcelle 1 rums, HSE Distillery is among the world's best rum producers.

HSE Distillery offers a captivating immersion into the fascinating history of Martinique rum. Discover the manufacturing secrets passed down through generations by HSE Distillery.

🥰 Why We Love It:

Nestled in the heart of lush tropical scenery, HSE Distillery also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sugarcane plantations, providing a unique and authentic sensory experience. For rum enthusiasts and history buffs alike, a visit to HSE represents an invaluable opportunity to discover and appreciate the heritage and exceptional quality of Martinique rums.

8- Trois-Rivières Distillery

© Credit source :europcar martinique

Practical Information:

📍 Location: Sainte-Luce 97228, Martinique

🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📗 History:

Nicolas Fouquet, Minister of King Louis XIV, founded the Trois-Rivières plantation in 1660. After several changes of ownership, in the 18th century, sugar production was at its peak.

Étienne Isaïe Marraud Des Grottes, a prominent landowner in northern Martinique, introduced rum production to the plantation in the 18th century.

Then, in the early 20th century, Amédée Aubéry, a significant industrialist, acquired the plantation and modernized the facilities to focus exclusively on rum production. Traditional agricultural rum from Trois-Rivières was born in 1940.

The Marraud Des Grottes family bought the plantation in 1953 and began marketing the rum. From 1980, the first exports to mainland France and Europe began. The distillery expanded, with the addition of a second distillation column.

The plantation was taken over by the B.B.S. "Bellonie & Bourdillon" company in 1994, already the owner of La Mauny Distillery in Martinique. In 1996, the plantation obtained the AOC designation. Rum production was transferred to the La Mauny site, while preserving the unique know-how of Trois-Rivières. In 2014, the Trois-Rivières brand experienced a revival, expanding its range of agricultural rums while modernizing its brand image.

Trois-Rivières Distillery perfectly embodies the spirit of rum tourism in Martinique. By visiting Trois-Rivières, rum enthusiasts can discover the secrets of rum production, from sugarcane cultivation to distillation and aging. Guided tours offer a complete immersion into the world of rum, while tastings allow appreciation of the diversity and quality of the distillery's products.

🥇 Labels, Distinctions, Medals:

Several awards: Trois-Rivières Blanc rum won the Silver Medal in 2024 at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris and the Gold Medal in 2022 at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in the Agricultural Rum category.

Holder of the AOC label since 1996, Trois-Rivières rum embodies Martinique's spirituous art.

🥰 Why We Love It:

Visit Trois-Rivières Distillery for an immersive rum tourism experience in Martinique where every visitor is invited to taste the essence of Martinique through its famous spirit. Discover the history of rum factories in Martinique. Trois-Rivières offers visitors a dive into the secrets of rum production, from the fermentation process to distillation and aging.

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