JM Rum: Martinique Agricultural Tradition and Innovation

Founded in 1845 by Jean-Marie Martin on the former Habitation Fonds Préville (1790) in Macouba, JM perpetuates a century-old tradition of agricultural rum. First affixed to Jean-Marie's barrels, the JM brand symbolizes the union of an exceptional terroir and family know-how. In 1922, Ernest Crassous de Médueil acquired the distillery, entrusted to his brother Gustave, then to René Crassous until 1977. Hubert Duchamp de Chastaigné and his wife modernized the equipment in the 1990s: new columns, air-conditioned cellars and vats for optimal maturation. Since 2002, Bernard Hayot's GBH Group has taken over distillation and cultivates 100 hectares of sugar cane. Fermentation lasts 1.5 to 2 days, then two Creole columns (15 trays, 5 condensers) produce a 70% raw distillate before reduction and aging. The JM collection includes two white rums (50% & 55%) and a rich palette of aged rums — VO, XO, 15 years and vintages — reflecting the perfect alliance between artisanal tradition and technical innovation.