Rhum JM launches Atelier Range

The trio of new expressions from Rhum JM is meant to showcase various aspects of Martinique’s terroir.

Rhum agricole maker Rhum JM has launched a new series, dubbed L’Atelier des Rhums, otherwise known as The Atelier Range.

The three rums were aged for between one and three years, and were crafted by master blender Karine Lassalle to capture various elements of the French island of Martinique’s terroir.

Fumée Volcanique (Volcanic Smoke), was aged for 12 to 14 months in Bourbon barrels that received an extreme char at Rhum JM’s on-site cooperage. It is bottled at 49% ABV, and is said to have a powerful smokiness on the nose.

Épices Créoles (Creole Spice) was aged for a minimum of three years in French and American Oak barrels of various capacities and char levels, chosen for their ability to highlight the inherent spicy quality of oak. It is bottled at 46% ABV and has ever-present notes of ginger.

Jardin Fruité (Fruit Garden) was aged for 24 months in French and American Oak barrels of varying char levels. It is bottled at 42% ABV with notes of exotic fruit and candied citrus. 

“Creating the Atelier range was an interesting challenge, one which allowed me to use our agricultural rums as a canvas and develop new flavours and aromas through experimentation with various toast levels and treatments of oak,” Lassalle said.

“I have been blessed to have the inspiration of the volcano, the rainforest, wild chocolate and spices from our estate, banana fields, tropical flowers, and sugarcane fields that have helped me create these characteristics from our local terroir.”

All three rums are priced at US$40 and are available nationwide in select markets.