Maison (rum estate)
Clément
Clément is a historic maison of rhum agricole based at the Habitation Clément in Le François (Martinique). It produces a range of white and aged rhums, as well as traditional liqueurs (e.g. Créole Shrubb, Mahina Coco), in compliance with the AOC Rhum de Martinique specification.
- Le François · Martinique · Martinique (France)
- Since 1887
- 21 products
The story
The Habitation Clément is an agricultural estate historically linked to rhum production: activity on the site dates back to the mid-19th century and the property was developed by the Clément family from 1887. The "Rhum Clément" brand was established in the 20th century; the Habitation today houses the aging cellars and is open to visitors. Since the late 1980s distillation has been carried out at external facilities (Distillerie du Simon) while the Habitation retains responsibility for aging, blending and bottling together with the cultural activities promoted by the Fondation Clément.
Production philosophy
To valorize the territory and Martinique sugar cane varieties, respect the AOC discipline for rhum agricole, preserve the historical heritage of the Habitation and promote local culture through the Fondation Clément.
Territory
Habitation Clément, municipality of Le François, Martinique (French overseas department). Typical production territory of AOC Rhum de Martinique.
Production method
Production compliant with the AOC specification: cane harvesting, extraction of the juice (vesou), fermentation (about 24–36 hours), distillation in column stills up to ~71% ABV, resting in stainless tanks for the blancs and aging in oak barrels for the rhum vieux. The cuverie and the blending and bottling phases are managed at the former site with modern lines and controlled by an internal tasting committee.
Distillation
Column distillation (continuous process, column still)
Ageing
Aging in oak barrels (200 L) stored in the Habitation chais; at least 3 years for rhum vieux according to AOC standards, with accelerated evaporation due to the tropical climate (part des anges).
Characteristics
- Type
- Maison (rum estate)
- City
- Le François
- Categories
- rhum agricole
- white rums
- aged rums
- tropical liqueurs
- rum house (maison)
- Raw materials
- sugar cane juice (vesou)
- orange peels (for Shrubb)
- coconut (for Mahina Coco)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- oak barrels (approx. 200 L)
- Representative products
- Créole Shrubb - Orange Liqueur 70cl
- Mahina Coco - Liqueur 70cl
- Rhum Agricole Ambré - Aged 12 months 70cl
- Rhum Blanc Agricole AOC 70cl
- Rhum Blanc Agricole "Canne Bleue" 70cl
- Rhum Blanc Agricole "L'Initial" Brut de Colonne 70cl
- Rhum V.O. Aged 3 years 70cl
- Rhum Vieux Agricole "Select Barrel" 70cl
- Rhum Vieux Agricole 10 ans d'âge - Boxed 70cl
- Rhum Vieux Agricole 15 ans d'âge - Lithographed case 70cl
- Rhum Vieux Agricole Lupicaia Finish 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Habitation Clément: historic site and chais open to visitors in Le François
- Production compliant with AOC Rhum de Martinique
- Canne Bleue: single-variety cuvée (Canne Bleue) produced by Clément
- Fondation Clément: cultural activities and promotion of Caribbean art
- Internal tasting committee and maître de chais (Julien Thimon since 2021)
- Distillation carried out at external facilities (Distillerie du Simon) while the Habitation handles aging, blending and bottling