Raw materials
cane juice (vesou)
sugarcane
Victoria pineapple (for the arrangés)
Bourbon vanilla (for the arrangés)
Distillery
Saint James
Explore the spirits, production style and story of Saint James.
Saint James is a historic rhum agricole distillery based in Sainte‑Marie, Martinique. Active since 1765, it produces a range spanning white rhums agricole, aged rhums, premium cuvées and the island's typical arrangés.
Martinique rhum agricole producer
rum distillery
producer of aged rhum
historic Caribbean rum brand
Producer range
Producer range Saint James
Spirit categories
Martinique rhum agricole producer
rum distillery
producer of aged rhum
historic Caribbean rum brand
Representative products
Fleur de Canne (Rhum Blanc) 70cl
Brut de Colonne (incl. versione Bio) 70cl
Coeur de Chauffe 70cl
Carafe Quintessence (Quintessence) 70cl
L'Essentiel 70cl
Rhum Paille 70cl
Rhum Vieux VSOP 70cl
Casks and ageing vessels
selected small Bourbon barrels (Bourbon casks)
Distillation and production
Distillation and production
Production method
Production is based on the use of vesou (cane juice). Many cuvées are distilled in a traditional Creole column still (continuous distillation), while a pot still/alambic is used for specific expressions (e.g. "cœur de chauffe"). Some products come from selected parcels and employ organic practices for dedicated labels.
Distillation
Traditional Creole column (continuous distillation) for many references; pot still/alambic for some specific expressions (cœur de chauffe).
Ageing
Aging in dedicated cellars; some cuvées are matured for long periods in selected small Bourbon barrels.
Producer history Saint James
The origins of Saint James date back to 1765 (Habitation Trou Vaillant). The brand was registered by Paulin Lambert in the 1880s with the characteristic square bottle; production was moved and centralized at the current Sainte‑Marie site in the 20th century. In 1973 ownership passed to Cointreau, which promoted the new Sainte‑Marie facilities; in 2003 Saint James was acquired by the La Martiniquaise group. The Sainte‑Marie site also hosts the Musée du Rhum and the Maison de la Distillation, spaces dedicated to the history and techniques of rhum agricole.
Production philosophy
Strong focus on raw material and the supply chain: Saint James emphasizes the principle of "pure canne" and the territorial expression of vesou (cane juice). The house prioritizes parcel selection for some cuvées, highlights historic millésimes and promotes heritage transmission through visits and tastings.
Territory
Sainte‑Marie, Martinique (French overseas department). The distillery is located among sugarcane plantations at the foot of Mont Pelée and is part of the AOC Rhum de Martinique territory.
Saint James
This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.
On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.
Products from
Products from Saint James
Products from this producer are currently not available.
Italy
Europe
USA, UK, Switzerland