All rum from Saint James distillery

The distillery Saint James in Sainte-Marie, Martinique, produces the widest range of Agricultural Rums made from pure cane sugar juice.

The canes, planted on the eastern slope of Mount Pelee, benefit from a privileged location: volcanic soil creating a fertile terroir, a high level of sunshine and a humid tropical climate swept by the spray of the Atlantic Ocean. The cane is harvested from February, for three to four months. It is transported to the distillery as quickly as possible to preserve its sugar content and aromas. According to the Martiniquesaying, "the cane must have its feet in the earth and its head in the mill". Arriving at the distillery, the cane is cold pressed to obtain the juice or "Vesou" which will be fermented for 24 to 48 hours to give a "cane wine". The latter is then heated in copper distillation columns to finally release a rum containing between 65 and 74% alcohol. THE DISTILLERY SAINT JAMES The SAINT JAMES distillery is a distillery that "smokes", a typical Creole expression that means that it has always been in operation. All SAINT JAMES rums come from the fermentation and distillation of pure sugar cane juice. This method of elaboration, exclusive to the French West Indies, gives the rums SAINT JAMES very aromatic notes, a fruity taste, making them perfectly adapted to aging in oak barrels, like the best eaux-de-vie. First World Agricultural Rum, N°1 in Martinique and regularly rewarded at the most prestigious International Competitions, SAINT JAMES is a brand of unparalleled quality.

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The Roots of Saint James Rum

For over 250 years, the Saint James rum brand has made its mark in the spirits industry with its unparalleled craftsmanship. Today, present in more than 50 countries, this legendary brand continues to evolve and offer a diverse range of options for all occasions, from crafting cocktails to savoring exceptional rums. The adventure began in 1765 with Father Lefébure, the head of the Brothers of Charity convent, who laid the foundation for what would later become the famous Saint James distillery. Over the decades, other players like the Cointreau Group and La Martiniquaise have also contributed to the growth and global recognition of this iconic brand.

Specialization in Aged Rums

Saint James has always focused on aged rums. From the invention of Vintage Rum to our aging cellars filled with small Bourbon casks, the brand has built an unparalleled reputation. Marc Sassier, master blender since 2002, is a true artisan behind every product from the distillery.

The Making of Saint James Rum: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Located in the town of Sainte Marie, Saint James is the most visited distillery in Martinique. The site includes a Colonial House dating back to 1875 that narrates the history of Saint James and agricultural rum, as well as a distillation museum. Since 2019, visitors can also explore Habitation Lasalle, accessible by a small train ride from the distillery.

The Production Process

The distillery produces two types of rum: agricultural rum, made from freshly pressed sugarcane, and industrial rum, crafted from molasses for the production of high-aroma rums. In both cases, no chemicals are sprayed on the sugarcane for at least 6 months before harvest.

  • Sugarcane is typically harvested between January and July, before it flowers.
  • It is quickly transported to the factory for processing.
  • After several crushing stages, the juice (or "vesou") is extracted from the cane.

The annual production reaches approximately 4 million liters of rum at 55%, highlighting the emphasis on quality and mastery of craftsmanship.

Amber Rum and Aged Rum

There are various selections to meet consumer preferences:

  • Amber Rum: Aged between 12 and 24 months in casks, also known as "Elevé sous bois" (Aged under wood).
  • Aged Rum: Requires a minimum aging period of 3 years, with some aging for several decades. Typically aged in oak barrels that previously held Bourbon, Cognac, or Armagnac.

The Diverse Range of Saint James Rums

The brand offers a broad collection that celebrates various flavors and textures. Among the essential white rums are Coeur de Chauffe, distilled in a pot still, and L'Essentiel, the perfect expression of Saint James rum. However, it's the aged rums that have forged the brand's reputation, including:

  • Saint James aged rums: 7 years, 9 years, 12 years XO,
  • Saint James Rhum hors d'âge Carafe Quintessence
  • Saint James Rhum Les Ephémère: No.1 7 6 5 (Did you notice? The numbers of the ephemeral rums correspond to the date of Saint James distillery's creation)
  • Saint James Single Cask: 1998, 1999, 2001...
  • Saint James flavored rums
  • Saint James Very Old Vintages: 1885
  • Bitter Saint James: ideal for cocktails
  • Anniversary edition Excellence Rhum for the 10-year celebration

The catalog continues to expand with new releases, making Saint James rum a must-have for enthusiasts. In summary, with its history, tradition, and innovation, Saint James rum has established itself as a reference in the world of spirits. From accessible options to prestigious ones, each product is the result of expertise passed down through generations for over two centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sainte-Marie Distillery

If you have numerous questions, we have compiled as many answers as possible about Saint James rum, which we display below.

What is the vintage of Saint-James to own?

The 1998 vintage comes from an exceptional year due to the record sugar content in the sugarcane, which was a result of a very dry year.

Where is the rum festival located?

It is held at the Saint-James distillery, of course! Every year, the distillery hosts parades, an artisan village, plantation tours, a small train, as well as concerts and, as is customary during Advent, a chanté Nwel (Christmas carol singing). Generally, it takes place in the first half of December.

Does the Sainte-Marie distillery produce other brands besides Saint James?

Yes, this distillery also produces J.Bally rum, Héritier Madkaud, Baie des Trésors, and others. Each of these brands brings their sugarcane and takes advantage of the Sainte-Marie distillery's facilities to distill their sugarcane.

What is the oldest vintage at Saint James?

The oldest vintage is from 1885.

How is "Saint James" pronounced?

"Saint James" is pronounced in French without the "t" in "Saint" and the "s" in "James" being pronounced.

Where to Buy Saint-James Rum

In our Parisian store at 16 rue Dauphine in the 6th arrondissement, but also on this online page. We deliver to 155 countries worldwide.

What are the Best White Saint James Rums?

For white rums, here is a top 3 of the best rums from the Sainte Marie distillery.

- Coeur de chauffe: the only white rum distilled by a non-AOC still.

- Fleur de Canne: Late harvest of flowering sugar cane. Very pleasant aromas, ideal for a floral ti-punch.

- The least expensive organic rum in its category: Imperial Bio at 56.5%

What are the Best Aged Saint James Rums?

For aged rums, here is a top 3 of the best rums from the Sainte Marie distillery, all matured in ex-bourbon barrels under the expert eye of the oenologist Marc Sassier.

How long can one keep Saint James rum?

Saint James rum can be kept indefinitely, provided that certain essential rules are followed to preserve the quality of your rum, whether it is white or amber. It is recommended to store your bottle upright, away from direct light and significant temperature fluctuations.

What to drink with Saint James amber rum?

Saint James amber rum can be enjoyed neat or used in various cocktails. Saint James white rums are particularly suitable for making a Ti-punch, the quintessential Antillean cocktail. They can also be used in a "Ti-vieux" with a Saint James straw or amber rum. The "Ti-vieux" is a variant of the Ti-punch, made with an amber rum for a smoother and more nuanced taste.

Is the term "rhum paille" specific to Saint James?

The answer is both yes and no. The term "rhum paille" is indeed a registered trademark that refers to a rum that is neither white nor aged, but rather a "rhum paille," a category that falls in between. This type of rum is often used in "ti-vieux," a variant of the ti-punch. The brands that use the "rhum paille" designation include J.Bally, Hardy, and, of course, Saint James. These three brands are produced by the same distillery, located in Sainte-Marie, on the Atlantic coast of Martinique.