CocktailWonk conveys the captivating essence of one of the Caribbean’s natural treasures, Rhum Agricole. From the history of Rhum Agricole to a breakdown of the active French Distilleries and brands in the Caribbean – CocktailWonk captures it all in this extremely comprehensive and insightful article, introducing key concepts of French styled rum.

Within the rum world, once you move past Bacardi Silver and Captain Morgan, the brands drawing most of the attention hail from the former colonies of England and Spain – think Havana Club, Mount Gay, Appleton, El Dorado, or Brugal. Somewhere in the distance behind them (with regard to general awareness) are the offerings from the French outposts in the Caribbean.

While there’s a well understood flavor profile to French rhums, the result of fresh cane juice and creole column distillation, the rhum from one island in particular demands even more scrutiny. These rhums, from Martinique, are protected and regulated by an Appellation d’Origine Contemporaire, more conveniently known as an AOC.

The French are extremely rigorous about regulations protecting their national treasures like wine, spirits, and cheese. There are dozens of AOCs for French products, including Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Champagne, Roquefort cheese, and many others. Among them is a particular AOC for rhums made on the island of Martinique.

Check out the full article here!