Rhum J.M Highlights the Terroir of Martinique With Trio of Rhums
(Photo: Rhum J.M)
Rhum J.M, makers of Rhum Agricole since 1845 on the French island of Martinique, have recently introduced the Atelier Range. The new range consists of three unique rhums that invoke different aspects of the island’s terroir.
The trio of rhums are each aged between one and three years. Master Blender Karine Lassalle conceptualized and skillfully crafted the expressions to evoke the aromas familiar to Martinique. The Atlelier Range is comprised of Fumée Volcanique (Volcanic Smoke), Épices Créoles (Creole Spice), and Jardin Fruité (Fruit Garden).
Lassalle focused on these three aromas and manipulated casks to highlight them. The distillery’s on-site cooperage allows for experimentation with different char levels. This opportunity for creativity when combined with a variety of barrel capacities and wood types allowed for Lassalle to blend expressions that manifest specific flavors and aromas.
“Creating the Atelier range was an interesting challenge, one which allowed me to use our agricultural rhums as a canvas and develop new flavors and aromas through experimentation with various toast levels and treatments of oak,” said Lassalle. “I have been blessed to have the inspiration of the volcano, the rainforest, wild chocolate and spices from our estate, banana fields, tropical flowers, and sugarcane fields that have helped me create these characteristics from our local terroir.”
Fumée Volcanique is comprised of rhum agricole aged 12-14 months in bourbon barrels that have received an “extreme” char treatment. It is bottled at 49% ABV and the brand describes a powerful smokiness on the nose.
The Épices Créoles (Creole Spice) was aged a minimum of 3 years in French and American Oak barrels of different capacities and char levels chosen specifically to highlight the inherent spicy quality of the oak. This expression is bottled at 46% ABV and has a more delicate aroma with honey, warm wood and notes of ginger.
Jardin Fruité (Fruit Garden) is aged for 24 months in French and American Oak barrels of varying char types before being bottled at 42% ABV. The brand describes it as having an “unctuous mouthfeel” with notes of flamed fruit and candied citrus.
The Atelier Range trio of rhums have an SRP of $39.99 US individually and are available in select markets nationwide or through the brand’s website.
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