Velier has announced the official launch of Triple Entente - a limited-edition set of three white rums from Foursquare, Neisson and Hampden distilleries, which highlight the three different terroirs of Barbados, Martinique and Jamaica, from three of the few remaining independent distilleries in the Caribbean.
Named by Foursquare’s CEO and Master Blender Richard Seale, Triple
Entente is said to reflect the idea of friendly cooperation between families
united by a common approach. In addition to raw ingredients and a commitment to
transparency and quality, the problems independent family-run distilleries face
in a world of global corporations also tend to be the same.
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| Triple Entente |
The project which was supported by Velier’s Luca Gargano plays an essential role in showcasing the huge variety in the world of rum, where traditional production methods result in a wide range of aromas and alliances are key in resisting commercial pressures.
The three terroirs of Barbados, Martinique and Jamaica are
very different and produce rum from different ingredients including cane juice,
molasses or a mix of both, with different kinds of stills.
Triple Entente is comprised of:
Foursquare Barbados Pure Single Rum – 2024 (62% ABV) which was
distilled exclusively in a double retort pot still, but fermented from
sugarcane molasses and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. The molasses was
fermented for about 72 hours with the addition of a single cultured strain,
while the fresh cane juice was fermented with natural yeasts for several weeks.
Neisson Martinique Rhum Blanc Agricole – 2024 (52.5% ABV) is an agricultural rum produced according to AOC guidelines, featuring a very long
fermentation ranging between 96 to 124 hours and eight different sugar cane
varieties. This brut de colonne was slowly reduced before ageing for at least
three months in stainless steel vats.
Hampden Jamaica pure single rum – 2024 (62% ABV) was
produced using a special mark that would reflect the union theme. The result
was the R<>H mark, a tribute to Andrew's mother Ruth Hussey, who together
with her husband Lawrence bought Hampden in 2009. The R<>H mark refers to
a rum with a range of esters at the time of distillation of 800-900 gr/hlpa,
and is closely connected to the history of the distillery.
Commenting on the launch Richard Seale, said: "We chose
to produce white rum because we wanted to demonstrate how each island's unique
history and culture could be individually expressed through the same basic
ingredient, sugar cane."
Grégory Vernant from Neisson, added: "The idea is for
the group to grow and meet at least once a year to exchange ideas, help each
other and understand how to stand up to large corporations who have no regard
for our traditions and the authenticity of our products and our islands."
Limited to 600 sets, Triple Entente will be available next month from select specialist retailers, for a RRP of €249.00.
Posted by Steve Rush