Saint James Rhum Releases Just 2,000 Bottles of Ex-Bourbon Finished 18-Year Agricole
Saint James Distillery, the historic Martinique-based producer best known for its range of rhum agricole expressions, is expanding its catalog with one of its oldest age statements yet.
On Wednesday, The Spirits Business reported Saint James was releasing an 18-year-old limited release. The new expression was distilled in 2004 before spending time in ex-bourbon barrels under the oversight of cellar master Marc Sassier. Saint James describes it as the “jewel” of its Old Rhum collection, which also includes 3-year, 12-year and 15-year statements.
“This very old rum is the fruit of an exceptional aromatic concentration without topping-up, after eighteen years of ageing in our cellars in the tropical climate of Sainte-Marie,” Sassier said, according to The Spirits Business.
Unlike other picks in the Old Rhum catalog, Saint James 18 Year has been limited to just 2,000 bottles. Bottled at 43% ABV, the expression is said to balance “structured and full-bodied notes with fruity and finely spiced flavors.” Those in search of the limited drop can find it at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $198.
Saint James traces its roots back to 1765, conceived when Father Lefébure made the jump from sugar cane brandy to rum on the island of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Rhum agricole — otherwise known as sugarcane juice rum or agricultural rum — is distilled from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice rather than molasses. Centuries after Saint James mastered the recipe, Martinique was granted a protected designation of origin for the technique in 1996.
In 2003, the distiller was bought out by La Martiniquaise, France’s second-largest spirits group. In addition to old rhum, Saint Martinique also produces a line of vintage rhums, organic rhums, ready-to-serve cocktails and bitters.
If you’d like to learn more, find Saint James here.
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