Producer
Karukera
Karukera is a rhumerie from Guadeloupe specializing in rhum agricole. Noted for finishing and ageing in French oak casks, it produces both rhum blanc and rhum vieux and offers editions linked to the terroir of the Marquisat de Sainte‑Marie.
- Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau · Guadeloupe · France
- Since 2005
- 1 product
The story
Founded in 2005 by Grégoire Hayot, Karukera began as a project mainly dedicated to the finishing and ageing of rhums sourced from other distilleries. From 2006 the Maison started receiving raw rhum blancs (notably from the Espérance distillery) for finishing in oak casks, and in 2007 it established its own ageing cellar. From 2011 Karukera started producing rhums entirely from the Marquisat de Sainte‑Marie estate (marketed as "100% terroir"). In subsequent years the range expanded with vintage expressions, blends and limited editions; labels such as L'Intense and other vintage-related cuvées were launched in 2016. In 2024 the brand reported annual production figures and significant export and cultural promotion activity.
Production philosophy
To showcase the terroir of Guadeloupe through selective finishing and ageing, privileging maturation in French oak casks and presenting rhums that express the identity of the Sainte‑Marie estate. The Maison combines a craft approach, careful cellar management and promotion of local culture.
Territory
Marquisat de Sainte‑Marie, Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau, island of Basse‑Terre, Guadeloupe (French overseas region, Caribbean).
Production method
Initially focused on finishing rhum blancs received from other producers, Karukera later developed its own 100% terroir productions. The production strategy centers on ageing and finishing in French oak barrels (including ex‑Cognac casks) and on selections of vintages and blends.
Ageing
Ageing and finishing in French oak casks; documented use of ex‑Cognac casks; for some cuvées finishing in barriques or special casks is employed.
Characteristics
- Type
- Producer
- City
- Capesterre‑Belle‑Eau
- Categories
- rhum agricole
- rhum blanc agricoli
- rhum vieux invecchiati
- finishing and ageing in French oak casks
- producer of rhum from Guadeloupe
- Raw materials
- sugar cane juice (rhum agricole)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- French oak casks
- ex‑Cognac casks
- casks used for special finishing (for some cuvées, e.g. references to Sauternes casks)
- Representative products
- Rhum Agricole Black Edition Alligator 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Blanc 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Cuvée Anniversaire 235 Ans 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Expression 2020 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Expression 45 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Gold 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole L’Insolite Vieux 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole L’Intense 2016 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole L’Intense 2020 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Reserve Speciale 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Agricole Select Casks 2009 70cl - Karukera
- Rhum Karukera V. Agricole 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Specialisation in finishing and ageing in French oak
- Transition to 100% terroir productions from the Marquisat de Sainte‑Marie estate (from 2011)
- Range includes rhum blanc, rhum vieux and vintage/anniversary cuvées
- Local cultural promotion activity and openness to cellar visits
- Declared production (2024) with figures for local market and export
