La Martiniquaise-Bardinet-owned agricole rum brand Saint James has revealed an 18-year-old limited release.
The new edition joins the Martinique-based distillery’s range of seven-, 12- and 15-year-old age-statement rums.
Distilled in 2004 and slowly matured in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels, the 18-year-old rum is described as ‘the jewel’ of the collection.
The limited expression was curated by cellar master Marc Sassier and bottled in 2022.
“This very old rum is the fruit of an exceptional aromatic concentration without topping-up, after eighteen years of ageing in our cellars in the tropical climate of Sainte-Marie,” said Sassier.
Saint James’ 18-year-old displays ‘structured and full-bodied notes with fruity and finely spiced flavours’ throughout the palate.
Only 2,000 bottles of the release have been produced, bottled at 43% ABV.
The rum is available at selected retailers worldwide for €185 (US$198) in 700ml bottles.
Saint James’s origins date back to 1765, and since 1975, the estate has produced rum from pure sugarcane from its own plantations.
The Caribbean island of Martinique was granted an AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée) in 1996 for its agricole rum.
In addition to the distillery’s age statement expressions, the product range includes white, gold, vintage and organic rums, and ready-to-serve cocktails.
In December 2023, the distillery revealed the fourth and last bottling of its Les Ephemeres Collection with Batch No.5.
French spirits company La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, which also owns the blended whisky brand Cutty Sark and Glen Moray single malt distillery in Scotland.