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What Is Rhum Agricole? Cane Juice Rum from the French Caribbean
Rhum Agricole is produced from freshly pressed sugarcane juice — not molasses. That single distinction produces a spirit with a character unlike any other rum: fresh, grassy, vegetal and aromatic in ways molasses rum cannot replicate.
Martinique AOC
Martinique holds the only AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) for rum globally. Regulations govern cane variety, harvest dates, pressing requirements, fermentation, distillation method (single Creole column still, maximum 75% ABV) and ageing. This level of regulatory rigour is unique in rum.
In Cocktails
The Ti' Punch is the definitive Agricole serve — Blanc, a fresh lime disc and cane syrup. In a Daiquiri, Rhum Agricole Blanc adds a distinctly grassy, fresh dimension. Bartenders also use Agricole as a partial substitute in rum cocktails where its herbal character adds a layer molasses rum cannot provide — try it split against a classic white rum, or taste the molasses side of the family in a dark rum to understand the contrast. Even botanical rum nods to the style: Spirited Union builds one core expression on an Agricole-style rum from Mauritius (see the Spirited Union range).
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between Rhum Agricole and regular rum?
- Agricole is distilled from fresh-pressed cane juice, giving grassy, vegetal freshness; most rum is distilled from molasses, giving richer, rounder character.
- Why is Martinique's AOC important?
- It's the only rum AOC in the world — legally defining cane variety, harvest, pressing, fermentation, distillation and ageing, a rigour unique to the category.
- How should I serve Rhum Agricole?
- Start with the Ti' Punch (Blanc, lime disc, cane syrup), or use Agricole Blanc in a Daiquiri for a grassier, fresher profile.
Explore the rum spectrum
Spirited Union
Spirited Union House White Rum 37,8% abv
37.8% ABV
Spirited Union
Spirited Union House Dark Rum 38.3% ABV
38.3% ABV