Rhum J.M Terroir Volcanique 2021

Rhum J.M Terroir Volcanique is an AOC Martinique agricole, distilled from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice rather than molasses at the J.M distillery in the volcanic north of the island near Mont Pelée. Made on a creole column run at low strength to keep the cane character in the spirit, it carries the appellation that marks the world's only rum AOC, a genuine quality cue.

At three years old this is a lightly aged vieux, so the grassy, vegetal cane-juice core is still present but framed by the barrel. Ex-bourbon oak adds prune, vanilla and dried fruit, with a woody, spicy, dry finish, while the sugarcane sap and a herbaceous lift keep it recognisably agricole. Unsweetened and bottled at 43%, it is an approachable, budget-friendly bridge into the style, easy neat, over ice, or in the classic Ti' Punch with lime and a little cane syrup.