By Alexander Britell

There is a particular passion in the production of rhum agricole in Martinique.

There is a thought, a contemplation, a level of sophistication that seems to transcend what you find in much of the rest of the rum world.

They do things differently in Martinique, and it shows.

It’s the kind of thing you can do when your rum has terroir, when you grow the sugarcane on your own estate, when your rum tastes different every year just because of the harvest, when you can set aside a small corner of your plantation to experiment with one variety of sugarcane, or release tiny bottlings that might never make commercial sense at a larger company.

The Habitation La Favorite distillery, just on the outskirts of Fort de France in Martinique, has been at it since 1842.

In recent decades, it’s gained international renown (and high demand among collectors) with La Flibuste, a 30-year vintage bottled and sealed with wax, a sought-after collector’s item that can typically only be bought on-island in Martinique. (And then the Privilege de La Favorite, a 30-year blend).

Of course, that’s just one example of what has become an impressive portfolio for the company, from its Cuvee Andrey Dormoy to the more recent Riviere Bel Air, a white rum made from a corner of the cane field using exclusively “red” sugarcane. There’s always something new, some new experiment.

Everything from this distillery is unique, everything quintessentially Martinique, and everything artisanal.

There’s no puffery, just legendary rum.

And one of its most recent expressions is no different.

On a recent journey to the island, we obtained a newly-released bottle of La Favorite’s Reserve du Chateau 2002.

The 2002 Reserve du Chateau is a small-production rhum blend of 12 and 14-year vintages aged in both former cognac and bourbon barrels, with just 10,000 bottles per vintage, with every bottle wax-sealed by hand. It’s bottled at 43 degrees.

So what is it like?

The aroma is marked by notes of chocolate syrup, pepper, orange peel, tropical fruit and spice.

The flavor profile is dominated by milk chocolate, orange peel, spice and even a hint of champagne truffle.

It’s got a wonderfully luxurious, velvety texture true of many of the best agricoles, while the finish is a wonder: there’s a feeling of spicy descent, peppery and bold but also grand.

You can taste whispers of the Flibuste, hints of rums yet to come, hidden away in the oak. And some of the more quintessential La Favorite notes: the licorice, the cacao.

For lovers of La Favorite, it can be explained a bit more simply: it’s got the sweet, luxurious qualities of La Flibuste, but with a bold, spicy personality. It’s an uncanny, remarkable combination, the sort of marriage of flavors and multi-layered finishes you only find in rhum agricole.

It’s just another reminder of how unbelievably good — and how different — the rum from this island really is.

Martinique’s rhums don’t need to be taken elsewhere and bottled or aged in other places. There’s no need for “aftermarket” rum.

They’re grown here, made here, bottled here and drunk here.

And they’re spectacular.

La Favorite Reserve du Chateau 2002

Rum Journal Review: 95 Points

Where to Find It: La Reserve du Chateau can be purchased at many stores on Martinique, including at the Aime Cesaire International Airport. We recommend going straight to the terrific boutique at the Distillery. 

— CJ

The post Rum Journal: Martinique’s La Favorite Reserve du Chateau 2002 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Norwegian Cruise Line has completed the refurbishments of three of its cruise ships, the company announced this week.

The company has completed bow-to-stern enhancements on Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Breakaway.

The upgrades are part of the company’s Norwegian Edge renovation program that includes new designs and venues, from the Los Lobos Cantina Mexican restaurant to the adults-only Spice H20 and Syd Norman’s Pour House.

“What a year this has been for us at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Andy Stuart, the brand’s president and chief executive officer. “Not only did we introduce our latest and record-breaking ship, Norwegian Bliss, and announce the redeployment of her sister ship Norwegian Joy, but we are now unveiling our newly revitalized ships, Norwegian Breakaway, Sun and Star. This is a testament to how invested we are in our guests’ experience. Although we are one of the youngest fleets in the industry, we are very committed to The Norwegian Edge program which allows us to remain consistent, relevant and exciting.”

Norwegian Star and Sun, which were both built in 2001, underwent three-week dry docks in Barcelona that added three new venues: Sky High Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spice H20.

Norwegian Breakaway, which was built in 2013, added the aforementioned Syd Norman’s Pour House, along with smaller upgrades like a new carpet in all 2,014 staterooms and suites and a full transformation of the gift shop, among other changes.

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Puerto Rico Report Indicates Sharply Higher Hurricane … the United States commonwealth of Puerto Rico last year remains unknown, but … 2018, whose section 21210 required Puerto Rico’s governor to present a … were 459 additional deaths in Puerto Rico in September and 564 excess …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Enchantment Group has named a new managing director at its luxury Bahamas retreat, The Cove, Eleuthera.

The company has named Jason Trollip as its new managing director, a role in which he will oversee “all aspects” of the 57-room property in Eleuthera, according to a statement.

“With extensive global experience and deep knowledge of the luxury market, Jason is the perfect fit for this leadership position at The Cove,” said Greg Miller, Executive Vice President of Operations, Sales and Marketing. “Jason will provide skillful direction and a passion for excellence in his new role and we’re excited to see how the resort further improves under his direction.”

Trollip served most recently as managing director of the Nihi Sumba Island resort in Indonesia.

Enchantment said Trollip’s destination resort experience would “aid in developing long-term operational goals for the property and play a fundamental role in the resort’s continued growth and success in the luxury market.”

— CJ

The post A New Managing Director at The Cove, Eleuthera appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Global luxury hotel brand Kempinski has named a general manager for its highly-anticipated hotel in Dominica.

The company has appointed Michael J. Schoonewagen to the role, in which he will open the hotel and help position the island as a new go-to luxury travel destination.

Schoonewagen has three decades of hotel experience in Europe, the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean with a host of luxury brands.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael to the Kempinski family,” said Xavier Destribats, COO for Kempinski in the Americas. “With his successful track record of managing luxury properties in pioneering destinations, and his focused expertise in the luxury segment, I am confident that Michael will build on our considerable momentum in the region.”

Kempinski most recently opened the ultra-luxe Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in Havana.

The Cabrits Kempinski Dominica, which will also include a spa, is slated to debut in 2019 in Dominica.

The post Kempinski Names GM for Dominica Hotel Project appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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