Rhum La Favorite: the traditional family-run agricultural rum from Martinique

Founded in 1842 on the foundations of the Jambettes sugar refinery, La Favorite is one of the last independent family distilleries in Martinique. Taken over by Henri Dormoy at the beginning of the 20th century, it was transformed into an agricultural rum distillery, while retaining a steam engine over a hundred years old, still in operation, which contributes to its energetic and heritage identity. Today run by Paul and Franck Dormoy, La Favorite produces nearly 500,000 to 600,000 liters of agricultural rum each year from pure sugarcane juice, harvested by hand on 60 hectares and supplemented with cane from local farmers. Distillation relies on two Creole columns—one copper dating from 1957 and another steel from 1986—after a slow fermentation of two to three days, for a rum with an alcohol content of around 70%. The range reflects tradition and precision: from the classic white "Cœur de Canne" to single-variety expressions like La Digue or Rivière Bel Air, through amber and aged rums like La Flibuste or the Privilège cuvée. Each label bears the mark of family know-how passed down over four generations, where authenticity rhymes with finesse. La Favorite embodies a story of resilience and continuity: from a struggling sugar factory to a leading distillery, it has preserved its heritage while adapting, making rum a true family affair, sustainable and deeply rooted in Martinique's tradition.