In our previous post, we introduced the deep connection between Martinique and its renowned Rhum Agricole. Today, we dive into the producers behind these iconic spirits. The Producers & Brands Family Tree offers a snapshot of Martinique’s distilleries today. After the Mount Pelée eruption in 1902, many distilleries were rebuilt. By 1916, Martinique had 88 distilleries producing 7.8 million gallons of rum annually. 6.2 million gallons were exported, 681,000 gallons were stored, and 880,000 gallons were consumed locally.
At first glance, the local consumption of 880,000 gallons—equivalent to about 16.66 liters per person for Martinique’s 200,000 inhabitants—may seem unusually high. However, this figure is likely inflated by several factors. During World War I, Martinique saw a significant influx of soldiers and travelers passing through the island, which would have increased the demand for rum. Furthermore, local trade and even rum smuggling could have played a role, with some of the rum possibly being consumed off the books or traded in informal markets.
Interestingly, despite Martinique's reputation today for Rhum Agricole, only about 2 million gallons—less than 30%—of the rum produced at that time came from fresh sugarcane juice. The majority was still made from molasses, reflecting the transitional phase in Martinique's rum industry as it moved toward the unique production methods that define Rhum Agricole today.
So let's come back to the producers.
Although the number of distilleries has decreased significantly over the past century, the quality and craftsmanship involved in producing Rhum Agricole have only intensified. The remaining distilleries continue to uphold the tradition of Martinique’s iconic rum and have evolved into global brands that are synonymous with excellence.
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It’s worth noting that many of the most famous brands, like Clément, J. Bally, and Trois Rivières, have been produced by different distilleries over the years. Shifting ownership and changing production locations are a part of the island’s rum history, which has seen smaller producers being absorbed or replaced by larger operations. Despite these changes, the brands have managed to retain their identity and maintain the high standards that have made them so iconic.
Our Producers & Brands Family Tree provides an up-to-date snapshot of the distilleries still in operation today and their associated brands. Brands like Saint James, Trois Rivières, Clément, and Neisson have become icons in the rum world, with each distillery boasting its own rich history, unique production methods, and signature style.
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And don't forget to check out our auction, where you can discover rare and treasured bottles from Martinique’s rich rum history. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of Rhum Agricole, there’s always a unique find waiting to be uncovered.
Stay tuned for future publications where we’ll take a closer look at each of Martinique’s legendary distilleries, exploring their history, production techniques, and signature rums.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhum_agricole
- https://www.wonkpress.com/products/modern-caribbean-rum
- https://us.media.france.fr/en/content/martinique’s-mont-pelée-erupted-120-years-ago
- https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/mills/martiniquemill02.htm