🇬🇫 French Guiana Rum - Our best agricultural rums

Rum from French Guiana

In 1930, Guyana owned 17 distilleries, only one survived thanks to Jean Marsolle who, in the 1980, relaunched the rom production in St-Laurent-Du-Maroni. Today, Saint-Maurice is the only distillery producing in this region. Well-known for its white rum with very expressive aromas and appreciate by metropolitans, the rums are rich and dry. We can name the rums La Belle Cabresse or Rhum Toucan.

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Price

€0.00 - €120.00

Alcohol

17 % ABV - 65 % ABV

Color of spirits

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Brand

Distillery

Age

4 years old - 12 years old

Vintage (years)

Raw material

Full Proof

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Aging

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Numbered copy

Rarity (copy number)

50 - 1000

whiskyfun

80 - 80
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French Guiana, located in South America and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is a French region with a rich history and unique cultural heritage. Among the many Guyanese traditions, rum production holds a significant place and is renowned for its exceptional quality. In this article, we invite you to explore the fascinating world of Guyanese rum, its origins, manufacturing process, and tasting experience.

A Historical and Cultural Heritage

Situated between Suriname and Brazil, French Guiana is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. Rum has been an integral part of this cultural wealth for centuries and continues to be produced using traditional methods. The history of rum in French Guiana dates back to the French colonial period when the first sugar plantations were established in the territory. African slaves brought to work on these plantations discovered how to transform sugarcane into alcohol, giving birth to Guyanese rum.

Guyanese Distilleries: Symbols of Ancestral Expertise

Even today, Guyanese distilleries uphold this ancestral expertise, producing rums renowned for their quality and authentic taste. Several distilleries are still in operation and are a source of pride for the region, including:

  • Distillerie Saint-Maurice: Founded in 1860, it is the oldest distillery in French Guiana and produces a traditional rum highly appreciated by connoisseurs.

The Manufacturing Process of Guyanese Rum

Guyanese rum possesses a particularity that gives it its uniqueness: it is derived from a process of spontaneous fermentation. This means that the transformation of sugarcane juice into alcohol occurs naturally, without the addition of yeast or other fermenting agents.

Harvesting and Crushing Sugarcane

It all begins with the harvest of sugarcane, which usually takes place between February and July. The sugarcane stalks are then crushed to extract the juice, known as "vesou." This juice is rich in sugars, making it an excellent substrate for fermentation.

Spontaneous Fermentation

The vesou is then placed in fermentation tanks, where it naturally transforms into alcohol through the action of wild yeast present in the environment. This spontaneous fermentation lasts about a week and gives rise to "cane wine," a lightly alcoholic and slightly effervescent beverage.

Distillation and Aging

The cane wine is then distilled in traditional stills to obtain white rum, with an alcohol content ranging between 50% and 55%. It can be consumed as is or undergo aging in oak barrels to become aged rum. This aging imparts a amber color and complex aromas to the rum, contributing to the reputation of great Guyanese rums.

Tasting Guyanese Rum: Tips and Pairings

To fully appreciate the flavors of Guyanese rum, here are some tips:

  1. Serve yourself a glass of rum at room temperature, without ice or water, to avoid diluting the aromas.
  2. Take the time to observe the color of the rum, which reflects its age and aging process.
  3. Breathe in the aromas of the rum deeply before tasting, to awaken your senses to the aromatic bouquet it offers.
  4. Finally, savor each sip, allowing the rum to caress your palate and reveal its full gustatory complexity.

To accompany your tasting, you can opt for typical Guyanese dishes such as cod fritters ("acras de morue"), chicken colombo, or plantain gratin. These spicy and flavorful dishes enhance the rum's flavors and create a gustatory harmony that will delight your taste buds.

In summary, Guyanese rum is a true treasure of South America, captivating with its authenticity and unique character. Its artisanal production using traditional methods imparts an unparalleled taste that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by all rum enthusiasts.