Saint James distillery

Introduction to Saint James

A Distillery with a Passion for Craftsmanship

Saint James is a prestigious Martinican rum distillery that combines centuries of traditional craftsmanship with Caribbean finesse. The distillery has built a reputation for delivering exceptional rhum agricole — created with deep respect for ingredients, technique, and the unique terroir of Martinique.

Located in the town of Sainte-Marie on the northeastern coast of Martinique, Saint James benefits from the island’s volcanic soil, tropical climate, and French colonial heritage, all of which contribute to its distinctive rum profile.

Why We Have a Soft Spot for Saint James

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something unique — both in flavor and identity. Saint James stands out by producing authentic rhum agricole from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, creating spirits with remarkable grassy, floral, and terroir-driven characteristics unattainable through other methods.

Their commitment to AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) standards ensures a level of quality and authenticity that makes each bottle a true representation of Martinican rum heritage.

The History of Saint James

Origins and Development

Saint James was founded in 1765 by Reverend Father Lefébure, who established a sugar refinery at the Trouvaillant Plantation. The distillery’s name was strategically chosen to sound more Anglican, helping the brand penetrate the English-speaking markets during a time of trade restrictions between France and its colonies.

The distillery gained significant recognition throughout the 19th century, becoming one of the most prestigious rum producers in the Caribbean. In 1882, Saint James introduced the world’s first square bottle, a revolutionary design that allowed for more efficient shipping and became an iconic symbol of the brand.

The People Behind It

Today, Saint James is owned by La Martiniquaise, one of France’s largest spirits groups, but maintains its traditional production methods and identity. Master distillers with generations of knowledge continue to oversee production, ensuring that each batch maintains the distinctive character that has defined Saint James for over 250 years.

The dedication of its craftspeople is evident in every aspect of production, from the careful harvesting of sugarcane to the meticulous aging process that takes place in the tropical climate of Martinique.

Craftsmanship and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Production at Saint James starts with freshly harvested sugarcane, typically cut during the dry season (February to June) when sugar concentration is at its peak. Following the strict regulations of the Martinique AOC, the sugarcane must be pressed within 24 hours of cutting to preserve freshness.

The extracted juice is fermented for approximately 24-36 hours before distillation takes place in traditional Creole column stills. This method, different from the pot stills often used for molasses-based rums, produces a cleaner, more aromatic spirit that beautifully captures the essence of the sugarcane.

Maturation and Aging

The maturation process takes place in oak barrels, many of which are previously used French oak. The tropical climate of Martinique accelerates the aging process, with evaporation (the “angel’s share”) reaching up to 8-10% annually compared to the 2-3% typically seen in cooler European climates.

This intense interaction between spirit and wood, combined with the maritime air of Sainte-Marie, creates complex rums with distinctive notes of tropical fruits, spices, and wood. Saint James produces everything from unaged “blanc” expressions to meticulously aged vintage releases that showcase the extraordinary depth achievable in fine rhum agricole.

Selected Products from Saint James

Saint James Royal Ambré – An Introduction to the Distillery’s Style

This edition is a great place to start if you want to understand the distillery’s DNA. Aged for 18-24 months, it offers an accessible entry into the world of rhum agricole with notes of vanilla, tropical fruits, and subtle grassy freshness. Its golden amber color and pleasant mouthfeel make it a favorite among both new and seasoned enthusiasts.

Saint James Cuvée 1765 – An Experience for Connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, created to celebrate the founding year. This blend of aged rums delivers a sophisticated profile with rich notes of dried fruits, baking spices, roasted coffee, and polished oak. The long, spicy finish and silky texture showcase the pinnacle of Saint James craftsmanship — a bottle for those who truly want to dive deep into the details of fine aged rum.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Saint James offers guided tours that bring you close to the process — from cane to glass. The distillery is home to the Museum of Rum (Musée du Rhum), which traces the history of rum production in Martinique through historical artifacts and exhibits. Tastings typically include several expressions from their range, providing a solid overview of the distinct characteristics of rhum agricole.

The lush tropical setting, with views of sugarcane fields against the backdrop of Mount Pelée, makes a visit to Saint James an unforgettable experience for any spirits enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saint James?

Saint James is a historic rum distillery in Martinique, producing rhum agricole with a focus on terroir, tradition, and AOC certification. Their approach combines centuries-old methods with strict quality standards to create authentic expressions of Martinican rum culture.

Where is Saint James Located?

The distillery is located in Sainte-Marie on the northeastern coast of Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. The volcanic soil, tropical climate, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean all influence the character of their rums.

What Distinguishes Saint James?

Saint James is especially known for producing true rhum agricole, made exclusively from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. This production method, combined with column distillation and tropical aging, creates rums with distinctive grassy, floral, and fruity profiles that express the unique terroir of Martinique.

The distillery’s iconic square bottle, introduced in 1882, was revolutionary for its time and remains a symbol of the brand’s heritage and innovation.

Where Can I Buy Rum from Saint James?

You can find selected bottles from Saint James at Vault of Spirits. We handpick the best editions — including core releases and special aged expressions — giving you access to authentic rhum agricole from one of the Caribbean’s most historic producers.