The recent devastation of Haiti is a nearly unparalleled tragedy. Tens to hundreds of thousands have been killed, millions are affected and the entire infrastructure one of the world’s poorest countries has been completely destroyed. The magnitude of the tragedy is impossible to grasp when one factors in the horrific poverty and crime levels that existed prior to the devastation. It’s interesting to note that Haiti was the second country in the Western Hemisphere to gain its independence from colonial rule (in 1804 – just shortly after America); unlike the United States, Haiti’s independence came as a result of slaves rebelling against their owners – a truly remarkable feat unaccomplished anywhere else in the world.
Other than the obvious ways you can help like sending money to aid organizations, another way to help is by supporting one of the few Haitian industries that you can readily support – its rum industry. Rum is a great drink to explore with multiple styles and varieties and is frequently ignored by the adventurous drinker. Haiti makes some of the world’s finest rums. Let’s explore one of them.
Barbancourt rum is not only one of the most awarded rums in the industry, it is also one of Haiti’s largest commercial exports. The company makes multiple styles which are all phenomenal. The company was founded in the 1860s by a French man (guess the last name . . . . . .Barbancourt) who hailed from the Charente region (which you will learn in future posts is the home of Cognac). One of the things that makes Barbancourt different from mainstream rums is that it is double distilled in the manner that Cognac is (an obvious ode to its founder’s background). Barbancourt’s flavor profile is also amazing because it is distilled directly from cane sugar juice rather than the cane sugar by-product of molasses. This is similar to the rhums agricole (literally agricultural rums) of Martinique which have legally enforced high quality standards. The fermentation of fresh cane sugar juice enables Barbancourt and Martinique rums to have a much fuller flavor profile than their more commercial counterparts. It’s no mystery that the country with the most anal quality standards for wine would have influenced its colonies to produce the purest and most delicious rums. Flavor is all about personal preference, but Barbancourt makes a strong case for being one of the better rums out there . . . .
Like many distilleries, Barbancourt offers a selection of fine products to try and each have their own merit.
- Rhum Barbancourt White Rum
- Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star (aged four years)
- Rhum Barbancourt Réserve Spéciale 5 Star (aged eight years)
- Rhum Barbancourt Estate Réserve (aged fifteen years)
- Rhum Barbancourt Réserve du Domaine (aged fifteen years)
The white rum is a great entry point and is the obvious choice for somebody who likes clearer rums more than the “spiced” or “darker” rums. It makes a great mixer for a Mojito (Haiti is geographically very close to Cuba) or a simple rum and Coke. The same can be said for the 3 star – it’s not a major investment and makes a great alternative to the gold rums that you may be used to. I personally like the 5 Star because it is affordable but lives in the realm that can be sipped slowly or mixed for a great cocktail. The last two are purely for the rum enthusiast who enjoys sipping high quality rums and fully appreciating their flavor. It would be a crime to mix these two with a beverage as plebian as Coca Cola, but if you’re a high roller and want to impress somebody who likes rum and Coke – go ahead; it’s your money and it will taste great.
The Booze Whisperer does not condone snobbery of any kind, so don’t feel bad if you don’t like Barbancourt or if you prefer the cheap stuff over the fifteen year stuff (this is a good problem to have . . . . ) do not worry. Your taste is your taste and nobody should knock you for it. The key is – you made the plunge and tried something new. The next step is to experiment with other rums. Rum is truly a great beverage and is the most recognizable export of many great Carribbean nations and deserves to be explored and appreciated.
Enjoy your rum! I sure do!
