250 Years of Rhum St. James

SAINT JAMES celebrates its 250th anniversary with a special bottling, parties in Martinique and a worldwide marketing campaign.

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imageSAINT JAMES Rum is one of the Caribbean’s oldest rum brands, with the plantations first producing rum in 1765. From the outset the brand was a pioneer in its category, being the first rum to create vintage specific blends, and designing an innovative square bottle in order to maximize storage and minimise breakage on the long sea-voyages to its original export markets.

Today the iconic Rhum Agricole is still produced in Martinique, which has the only rum AOC (appellation controllee) in the world, and more precisely in Sainte-Marie, on the East coast of the island. SAINT JAMES Rum has always been committed to quality, heritage, innovation and traditional expertise. The special SAINT JAMES Cuvee 1765, a blend created in homage to the original 1765 style, is the epitome of the quality of the products it offers. The brand is also at the forefront of the new mixology trend and has recently developed links with key stars in the field including top mixologist and barman, Stephen Martin.

The week of July 6th, which traditionally marks the end of the sugar harvest, is set to be a key moment during the 250th anniversary celebrations in Martinique. The program includes visits around the distillery; masterclasses and tastings; and a live show culminating in the release of a commemorative limited edition 250th anniversary Carafe: an ultra-premium blend of six of the best Saint James vintages, including the exceptional 1885, presented in a luxurious glass flagon with embossed metal neck. To pay full tribute to Saint James rich history, other festivities will be taking place across the world including an anniversary party in Paris, multi-media advertising campaigns and outstanding point-of-sale promotions. This milestone anniversary will make 2015 a Saint James year!

For information on SAINT JAMES Rums and cocktail recipes tune to http://www.saintjames-rum.com.

Martinique on my Mind

Four wild days of touring Martinique’s distilleries and rhum shops leaves us with a whole new respect for agricole.

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The unforgettable scent of cane fields and barrel warehouses is still fresh in my mind.  Ti Punch has become a staple in my diet and somehow my limited French has improved.  Yes, a bit of Martinique has gotten into my soul.

Not even a week has gone by since returning from my whirlwind tour of the island and I’m already trying to figure out when I can go back to experience more.  We were busy from dawn until late in the evening all four days and I feel like the local rhum scene still holds many secrets.

By day we toured Le Simon, Rhum JM, Depaz, Neisson, Saint James and La Favorite, six of the island’s most famous working distilleries.  They were all extremely different from one another and gave us a glimpse at the precise method of making rhum agricole.  The measures that local distilleries follow to meet stringent AOC regulations and to ensure the quality of their products is nothing short of amazing.

In the evening we were hosted at some of Martinique’s most outrageous restaurants and our conversation about everything agricole continued over feasts of steak and lobster.  Back at the hotel we sipped Ti Punch and aged rhum late into the night and attempted to process all we’d seen.

I have been lucky enough to visit many rum producing islands over the years but I can’t remember the last time one effected me like Martinique.  Rhum culture is thick on the island, almost like a religion.  Everyone has a favorite brand, a special drink and a complete respect for local regulations of the distilling process.

Honestly, a journey to Martinique is a must for every rum aficionado. It was truly one of the best trips I’ve been on and has opened my eyes to new distilleries, brands and talented people.

We’ll be rolling out articles and images that highlight each individual distillery over the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Rhum Direct

US-based Rhum lovers rejoice as direct flights to Martinique become available.  Read on…

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The Caribbean island with French flairThe Isle of FlowersThe Rum Capital of the WorldThe Isle of the Famed Poet ( Aime Cesaire ) – by any one of its many names Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world.  It was named “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” in 2009 by Caribbean Travel + Life, and “Best Caribbean Destination” (2010) by About.com.

U.S. travelers will have an easier time getting to Martinique in 2013 as American Airlines will launch new weekly service to the island beginning April 6th.  The new flights represent the first nonstop air service between Martinique and the U.S. mainland since 2008.  They will operate on Saturdays only.

“These new flights represent a major step forward in Martinique’s development into a primary Caribbean vacation destination for U.S. travelers,” said Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille , Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority.  “Interest has been growing for Martinique among U.S. travelers in recent years.  Now, with our partners at American Airlines offering convenient, weekly direct service, Martinique stands poised to charm U.S. travelers like never before.”

American’s new service to Martinique offers one-stop connections via Miami from hundreds of gateways across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, creating convenient flight options from such major metropolitan areas as New York, Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orlando.

American will use a Boeing 737 aircraft for the new Martinique service, offering the comfort of 16 business class and 134 economy class seats.

For fares, reservations and more information, visit www.AA.com.