The top 11 best rum shops in Martinique

The best distilleries in Martinique : What would Martinique be without its paradisaical beaches, its magnificent landscapes, the richness of its heritage, and ... its rum ! An integral and immutable part of the local heritage, no matter if it is white or amber, the Martinique rum is a real national pride.

A true land of rum, the island of flowers produces some of the best agricultural rums in the world and has its own Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Produced from fermented sugar cane juice, it is important to differentiate between white rum and amber rum. We have selected for you the best rum shops in Martinique to visit during your stay!

Depaz Distillery 

The Depaz distillery is one of the oldest and most famous rum factories in Martinique... And for good reason! The plantation is located at the foot of Mount Pelee and produces one of the most emblematic rums of Martinique, notably because it uses spring water directly from Mount Pelee.

The rums of the Depaz house are often awarded in prestigious competitions and are available in amber and white rums. On site, we recommend that you stay at least half a day to enjoy the visit of the estate (which covers several hectares), the museum and the castle. The entrance to the estate is free and a visit to the store is a must! You can taste the local cuisine and have a "take-off", the first glass of rum of the day, in the restaurant "Le Moulin à Cannes".

• Plantation of the Pelee Mountain
• 97250 Saint Pierre - Phone : 05 96 78 13 14

Habitation La Favorite

Located in Fort-de-France, in the very heart of the island, La Favorite will delight white rum lovers! Its white rum is among the sweetest on the island. The maturation process in barrels is very strict and this can be felt in the voluptuous cane aromas. 75% of the sugar cane used in the rum making process is grown on the estate. This rum distillery is the only one in Martinique that still operates with steam.

If you are near Fort-de-France, we strongly recommend that you visit this house. Moreover, the visit of the domain AND the tasting are free! If you have the opportunity, we advise you to taste the special cuvee La Flibuste or the Privilège, they are ... our favorites!

• D13 - Route du Lamentin
• 97200 FORT DE FRANCE - Tel : 05 96 50 47 32

Distillery J.M

The J.M distillery is located in the north of the island, not far from Macouba, at the foot of Mount Pelee. Many connoisseurs often recognize J.M rum as the best old rum in Martinique. That's all! J.M uses spring water directly from Mount Pelee, which gives an irresistible flavor to its rums! The tour including a tasting is free and lasts 1 hour. Be sure to book well in advance, as during the high season, spots go fast! The tour includes a tour of the authentic distillation and manufacturing process of Martinique rum.

• 97238 MACOUBA
• Tel : 05 96 78 92 55

Trois Rivières Plantation

Founded in 1660 by a Minister of Louis XIV, the Trois Rivières plantation, near Sainte-Luce, is one of the oldest on the island, but also one of the most distributed outside Martinique. You probably know their bottles: they are recognizable thanks to their legendary turquoise color. During the guided tours (5 €/person), you can discover the whole process of making AOC rum. It is possible to go on an adventure and explore the 600 hectares of sugar cane plantations by quad bike! Trois-Rivières has a gigantic park where you can stroll after the visit. Within the park, you will have the opportunity to visit stores promoting local crafts.

• D7 - Sainte-Luce 97228
• Tel : 05 96 62 51 78

Neisson Distillery

The Neisson distillery has a particularity: it is the one that started producing the very first AOC Martinique Organic rum in 2016. This rum distillery does not have a large farm or sugar cane plantations nearby. The interest lies mainly in their production. We advise you to stop by and taste their legendary white rum, ranked among the best in Martinique! You can also visit the small distillery for free and discover an authentic steam column, the boilers and the barrels in which the rum is stored.

• Carbet, 97221
• Tel : 05 96 78 03 70

Saint James Distillery

We no longer present the famous Saint James rum. They are certainly the most famous Martinique rums in the world. Now, you will have the opportunity to visit its distillery. Located in the north of the Caravelle peninsula, the Saint James distillery covers a vast area. You will have the opportunity to visit the rum museum, the La Salle house, the cane and banana plantations, but especially the distillery and its impressive steam column. Please note that the distillery is only open during the harvest period, from March to June.

The visit of the two museums is free, the visit of the distillery will cost you 5 €/person. Don't forget to visit the store to discover the many great vintages of Saint James while tasting.

• 97230 SAINTE-MARIE
• 05 96 69 50 37

House La Mauny

The sugar cane used by the Mauny house is grown locally. We advise you to take the time to take part in a visit (8€/person), because you will have the opportunity to attend all the stages of distillation. Then, visit the La Mauny museum which traces the history of the rum factory. Before leaving, don't forget to visit "La Cabane à Rhum", the official store of the distillery which sells flavored rums. You also have the opportunity to taste delicious Creole dishes in the restaurant "Kay Mimi" located on the property.

• 97211 Riviere Pilote
• Tel : 05 96 62 18 79

Dillon Distillery

Specialized in white rums for cocktails, the Dillon distillery is located in the heart of the capital, Fort-de-France. The rum of this distillery is produced at the Depaz distillery, so you will not have the chance to discover the stages of manufacture. Nevertheless, the aging and bottling are still done on site and the visit is free. If you are visiting Fort-de-France and you don't have enough time, the Dillon distillery is a good alternative to discover one of the most famous white rums of the island.

• 9 Route de Chateauboeuf, Fort-de-France 97200
• Tel : 05 96 75 20 20

Habitation Saint-Etienne (HSE)

Located in the heart of the island, the Habitation Saint-Etienne offers rums for all tastes. Whether you are a lover of white rum, dark rum, VSOP or XO, you are bound to find what you are looking for here! Moreover, you will have the chance to visit the Foudres HSE, a place of artistic exhibition, ideally located in the heart of the former HSE cellar. The Habitation Saint-Etienne organizes many exhibitions, concerts, shows and conferences throughout the year. It is here that visitors will be able to discover and taste the impressive range of HSE white and amber rums with free admission.

• Gros Morne 97213
• Tel : 05 96 57 49 32

Hardy Distillery

This distillery is located in the heart of a former high place of piracy: The peninsula of Caravelle. Unfortunately, the distillery is no longer in operation and the rum is now produced at the Saint James distillery. We advise you to visit the old installations of this distillery and in particular its authentic distillation column preserved in the museum. You will also find a store on the site of the old distillery where you can taste and buy Hardy rum. Enjoy it! Hardy rums are very rare, as they are almost exclusively distributed in Martinique with a production of (only) 120 000 liters of rum per year.

• Bourg de Tartane 97220 La Trinite
• Tel : 05 96 58 20 82

The Clement house (habitation Clement)

We can only recommend a visit to this superb estate located in the commune of Le François. Many consider the Habitation Clément as the most beautiful Creole house in Martinique! And it is a beautiful example of Martinique's cultural heritage.

The visit is a pleasant moment of relaxation and culture. The Clément estate is particularly interesting, as it is very representative of the way of life and activities associated with the production of sugarcane and the manufacture of rum at the time.

Three perfectly highlighted areas of the estate: the main house, the gardens and the old distillery.

• Habitation Clément, 97240 Le François - Martinique
• 05 96 54 75 51

The real road to rum shops in Martinique!

You are now ready to go and explore the numerous rum factories of the island of flowers. And if you feel like it, don't hesitate to visit more than one! Each rum shop on the island has its own specific charm.

Now that you know the best rum shops in Martinique, we suggest you discover how to choose the right rum for your cocktails in our article: What is the best rum to make a mojito

White rum or amber rum?

White rum is traditionally used in cocktails (Mojito, Ti punch, Planteur, or Daiquiri) and is bottled at the end of the distillation process. Amber or aged rum is more suitable for tasting and conservation because it is aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels.