Exploring The World Of Rhum Agricole With Rhum JM Master Blender Karine Lassalle

Rhum agricole is a favourite choice for rum aficionados across the world, thanks to the efforts of brands like Rhum JM in Martinique. The personification of the rhum agricole style, Rhum JM is a distillery with plenty of history and tradition behind it. 

Visiting Martinique and exploring the distillery is on my bucket list and I was able to get my first taste of what that would be like on a webinar hosted by The Rum Lab with Rhum JM’s master blender Karine Lassalle and rhum agricole expert Kiowa Bryan.

Learning About The Story Of Barbancourt Rum With Delphine Gardère (Rumcast Review)

Haiti produces some of the most unique rum in the world and it’s gained more attention in recent years, becoming an extension of Haitian culture. Called clairin, this spirit has brought more awareness to Haitian brands, including Barbancourt, which is arguably the most well-known Haitian rum producer. 

It’s important to note that Barbancourt exists in a category of its own. It’s neither rhum agricole or clairin and until I listened to the Rumcast’s interview with the CEO of Barbancourt, Delphine Gardère, I believed their rum could be categorised as clairin. Read on to learn more about Gardère’s story and how Barbancourt rum stands out.

A Tale Of Two Spirits: Kokuto Shochu Vs Rum

When it comes to diverse spirits, rum deserves to be at the forefront of the conversation. The range of flavour profiles is incredible and this diversity can provide a gateway into spirits that have similar qualities but are unique in their own right. An example of this is kokuto shochu, a Japanese spirit that’s perfect for rum lovers.

Fall Down The Rhum Agricole Rabbit Hole With Kiowa Bryan (Rumcast Review)

Since falling down the rum rabbit hole, one of the most striking things I’ve found about the category is the wealth of different styles and varieties that can be found all over the world. Among the most unique is rhum agricole, which is made from fresh sugarcane juice, rather than molasses.

There’s a rich history in the rhum agricole category that’s fascinating to explore and a great place to learn about it is over on the Rumcast podcast. Co-hosts John Gulla and Will Hoekenga recently invited rhum princess Kiowa Bryan onto the show to talk about what makes agricole so unique and why you should be trying it.

Rum Haiku 20

Once every week
Red Hood puts his guns away
to enjoy JM rhum

A Brief Introduction To Clairin (And 3 Types To Try!)

Like many islands of the Caribbean, Haiti has a history that is rich in rum production. But look deeper and you’ll find that the island has its own indigenous spirit known as clairin, which at first glance may look like a regular unaged rum, but in reality there’s so much more to it.

The Kill Devil You Know

It was Long John Silver who said

He lived on rum 

Meat, drink, man and wife

I tend to agree with him

None of this gin lark

Stick your whisky where the sun doesn’t shine

Beer’s pretty good

But give me a black bottle from Barbados

Burn my tongue on the flavours of Martinique

The holy trinity 

Appleton, J.M, Foursquare 

Sipping on an endless beach

In the dog days of summer

Distilled gold in my fingertips

That’s the life for me