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Distillery Profile - Saint James Distillery
A VERY FRENCH APPROACH TO RUM
By Joseph Luparello
SAINT JAMES DISTILLERY DELIGHTS RHUM LOVERS WORLDWIDE WITH THE SPIRIT OF MARTINIQUE
The story of Saint James Rhum dates back centuries, originating on the rugged Caribbean Island of Martinique. This overseas region of France became one of the most productive “sugar islands” in 1765.
Situated on the island’s west coast was the Fort Saint-Pierre hospital, a healing place for Louis XV’s wounded soldiers. To supply the infirmary with essential materials, a skilled alchemist named Father Edmond Lefébure built a sugar refinery next door at a place called “Trou Vaillant.” A vinegar factory was established soon after because of the refinery’s construction. Here, molasses residue was distilled to produce “guildive” or “tafia,” the ancestor spirit of Rhum Agricole. Initially, it was just a rustic spirit that lacked quality, but within it existed great potential, and Father Edmond knew that more than anyone. Following through with his sugarcane “eau de vie” brandy vision, Lefébure devoted himself to developing a prestigious rhum worthy of its name.
Oddly enough a logistical roadblock played a critical role in establishing that very name. At the time, shipping of tafia to France was prohibited because of the edict of January 1713. It left the priest no choice but to export the alcohol to the geographically close English colonies of North America. However, few English speakers could properly pronounce “TrouVaillant,” making the true production site a poor candidate for the title. Luckily in the French domain, each “Habitation” had a different name and one of them, near Trou Vaillant, was called Saint Jacques.
- - donatien ferrari, global global brand ambassador
BARTENDERS SOCIETY COMPETITION
Since 2016, the Bartenders Society Competition has brought bartenders with common creativity and expertise together in a family-orientated and fun experience. The event has grown to include the United States, with bartenders from 15 countries now participating in the Finals held in Paris. The winning bartender receives a cash prize and a trip for two to Martinique. Information for the 2022 Competition can be found by visiting thebartendersociety.org and social media.
Easily translatable to “Saint James,” it was the ideal title to market to the English. Soon enough, the first rum distilled at “Habitation Trou Vaillant” in Martinique was exported to North America under the name of “Rhum Saint James.”
Fast-forward to 1882, Paulin Lambert purchased “Habitation Trou Vaillant” and registered the Saint James brand with its famous square bottle. The design revolutionized the spirits world, as the bottles were much less susceptible to breakage during transport.
Two decades later, catastrophe struck. Mount Pelée erupted, destroying the town of Saint Pierre and the Saint James site. But by some miracle, Habitation Saint James was only partly demolished. Holding on to and working with what remained positioned Saint James distillery where it is today, as a leader of Agricole rhum. Reflecting on the brand’s history, global brand ambassador Donatien Ferrari explains, “This rich history is inspiring even if such a history is sometimes heavy. But the brand manages to look both backward and forwards at the same time.” Its latest expression, Saint James VSOP, is a prime example of how they honor the past while embracing the future.
VSOP is fully matured in old and new American oak under the tropical climate of Martinique. The packaging for the balanced rhum preserves its sacred heritage while also giving off a newer premium vibe perfect for new-to-the-category imbibers.
Distillers of Saint James have always considered the physical state of our planet. “We are very careful with our farming practices—no insecticides, fungicides or nematicides. The use of organic cane is also on the rise. Today I am proud to say that Saint James is very environmentally conscious,” shares Marc Sassier, Cellar Master.
