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The Civilized Explorer > Distilleries of the French West Indies > Rum Distilleries on Martinique

The Civilized Explorer

Rum Distilleries on Martinique

Martinique has a number of rum distilleries that are worth a visit and most especially worth a tasting tour. These distilleries are most modern and up to date, with no picturesque oxcarts as on Guadeloupe. We recommend visits even if you do not drink rum, as the distilleries are a living connection with the history of the West Indies from their earliest colonization by Europeans.

We provide the telephone numbers for the distilleries. For local calls, just dial the number. If you are dialling from off the island, the country code is 596.

St. James (Sainte-Marie) 69 30 02

This distillery has a pleasant house for tasting and to look at the photographs and implements of the distillation process. The operation itelf is not all that photogenic, but the rum is good. There were two busloads of tours leaving when we arrived, and there was much singing going on in both buses. We visited on a weekend, so the distillery was not in operation. The museum is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Photographs are available.

La Mauny (Riviere-Pilote) 62 62 08

We enjoyed the visit to this distillery the most. Perhaps it was the personal tour we received from one of the operators (we arrvied just after the last scheduled tour of the day), or perhaps it was the beautiful light at the end of the day. In either event, Le Mauny is nestled in the midst of lush sugar cane fields, off the main road, and feels very much out in the country. You can walk past the tops of the huge fermentation vats and still try a taste of the alcohol as it comes out of the still. It is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Lots of pictures.
Photographs are available.

Trois Rivieres 62 51 78

This distillery is on the main highway from Lamentin to Trois Riveres. It is a working distillery, but not the most photogenic. However, if it is your only opportunity to see a working distillery, it is representative.

Habitation Clement (Le Francois) 54 62 07

This 18th century mansion includes a lovely botanical garden and an out- of- commission distillery. There are placards that describe the rum- making process, but this is not nearly as fun as seeing it at a working distillery. This was the site of a meeting between Presidents Bush and Mitterrand after the Gulf War, so you can have your picture taken on the same porch they did. It is a beautiful place to visit and is open everyday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (fee is 40 FF per person).
Photographs are available.

Distillerie Depaz (Saint-Pierre) 78 13 14

On the slopes of Mont Pelee, this distillerie and estate are a wonderful excursion to add to a visit to Saint-Pierre. The distillerie is very modern, so you cannot see the foam at the top of the fermentation tanks, but the self- guided tour is interesting. A small snack bar provides very welcome shade. The rum is very good and the views are spectacular.
Photographs are available.