Rum-Soaked Bliss: A Day at the Barbancourt Distillery in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
As I stepped into the Barbancourt distillery in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a wave of warmth and familiarity washed over me. The sweet smell of fermenting sugarcane filled my nostrils, transporting me back to my childhood memories of visiting my grandfather’s rum factory in the countryside. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy at being able to experience this iconic Haitian brand up close and personal.
Barbancourt is more than just a rum distillery; it’s an institution that has been a part of Haiti’s cultural heritage for over 150 years. Founded in 1862 by Dupré Barbancourt, a French immigrant, the company has survived wars, natural disasters, and political instability to become one of the most renowned rum producers in the world.
As I walked through the distillery, I was struck by the attention to detail and the commitment to quality that permeated every aspect of the production process. From the selection of the sugarcane to the aging of the rum, Barbancourt leaves no stone unturned in its quest for excellence.
The tour began with a visit to the fermentation room, where huge vats of sugarcane juice were bubbling away, transforming into alcohol through the magic of yeast and time. Our guide explained that Barbancourt uses only the highest quality sugarcane, grown in Haiti’s fertile Artibonite Valley, to create its rums. The company also sources local ingredients for its flavored rums, such as coconut, banana, and coffee.
Next, we visited the distillation room, where the clear rum is distilled in copper stills before being aged in oak barrels. Our guide explained that Barbancourt uses a unique double distillation process to create its rums, which results in a smoother, more complex flavor profile. The company also ages its rums for longer than most producers, up to 15 years for some varieties, which contributes to the depth and richness of their flavors.
After the distillation room, we were led to the aging warehouse, where row upon row of oak barrels were stacked high, each one containing a treasure trove of rum waiting to be discovered. Our guide explained that Barbancourt uses only the finest oak barrels from the United States and France to age its rums, which impart unique flavors and aromas to the final product
Tomorrow, a new step in this wonderful journey, see you later.
Mary