What is Rhum Agricole?

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Rhum agricole is rum distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than from molasses. The term is closely linked to the French Caribbean, and Martinique has a legally protected version with its own rules (AOC Martinique). Other places use the name more loosely, so the label matters.

What do the AOC Martinique rules say?

The wort must be fresh sugarcane juice, obtained by grinding and pressing. No syrup or molasses is allowed.
The juice is distilled in approved continuous columns, and the distillate must come off between 65 and 75 percent ABV.
Any category must be sold at 40 percent ABV or more.

What are the styles?

Style	Minimum rules (AOC Martinique)
Blanc (white)	Rested at least 3 months
Eleve sous bois	At least 12 months in oak
Vieux	At least 3 years in oak casks of 650 liters or less

How does it taste different?

Because it comes from fresh juice, agricole rum is often described as grassy, vegetal and fruity, while molasses rum is sweeter and rounder. Individual bottles vary, so this is a general guide, not a rule.

How do you drink it?

Blanc: in a Ti’ Punch (rum, lime and cane syrup) or in daiquiris.
Aged: neat or with a little water, like other aged spirits.

What to check on the label

Look for the words rhum agricole and, for the protected version, AOC Martinique. Without that mark, the rules above may not apply. See also how rhum agricole is made.

General information; please drink responsibly.

Drink	ABV	Unopened	Opened	Where to keep it	Source and date read
Kahlúa Original	20%	Maker: recommended 4 years (flavours 2 years, ready-to-drink 1 year). Stays good longer, the coffee flavour fades.	No fixed time. No fridge needed.	Cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight	Kahlúa FAQ (US), read 31 Oct 2026
Cointreau L'Unique	40%	Years. No expiry date. Keep upright, in the dark.	Maker: best within 2 years after opening. No expiry date.	Cool, dark, upright	Cointreau FAQ, Storage & care (US site), read 31 Oct 2026
Lillet Rouge	see label	Cool, dark place; consume within 2 years.	Store in the fridge and consume within 3 weeks.	Fridge once opened	Lillet Rouge page, read 2 Nov 2026
St-Germain elderflower liqueur	20%	No statement on the FAQ page.	Maker: consume within 6 months after opening. The colour may slowly change (natural oxidation).	Dry, cool space, away from bright light	St-Germain FAQ, How long does St-Germain last?, read 2 Nov 2026
Martini vermouth	15%	No statement on the guide page.	Refrigerate once opened. Keeps well about 1 month, then quality declines (oxidises).	Fridge once opened	Martini, A guide to vermouth, read 31 Oct 2026
Baileys Original Irish Cream	17%	No official statement.	No official statement. Check the bottle label or Diageo consumer service.	Check the label	Baileys product page (no official statement), read 31 Oct 2026

What is Rhum Agricole?

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