From Mt. Pelee we coasted down the mountainside towards Martinique’s eastern shore, passing through banana and sugar cane plantations, tiny hamlets, and bustling towns. We’d decided to visit the Rhum JM distillery, and we took a left turn as we came to the coast.
You wind along the shoreline on a progressively narrower road and soon round a corner coming upon a fantastic view of Rhum JM set in a valley next to a roaring river. Our visit here was an experience unlike any of the previous 8 distilleries. You’ll see why as we wander.
Everything at JM is first class; stunning grounds resplendent with flowering trees and shrubs; small plaques describing the many trees, vines, flowers, plants, and so on. Certainly a fantastic experience every step of the way. Entering the production facility, we were greeted with a pamphlet describing, in English, every step through the property along with the history of Rhum JM.
At no other distillery were we ever allowed to walk in amongst the working equipment. Quite an experience.
Last, but certainly not least, was a visit to the tasting and olfactory rooms; yes, the aroma of a particular rum is where you begin. You either like what you experience, or you move it aside. All four of us had a great time here, and walked out with several bottles of very nice rums.
