AGRICOLE RHUM & CACHAÇA
Fresh Cane Spirits With Regional Soul
Agricole Rhum and Cachaça are vibrant, terroir-driven spirits distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. While both share this origin, they reflect distinct traditions: Rhum Agricole hails from French-speaking Caribbean islands and is often grassy, dry, and complex, while Cachaça is Brazil’s national spirit—softer, fruitier, and deeply rooted in culture. Both offer fresh, expressive alternatives to traditional rum styles and excel in bright, citrus-forward cocktails.
Key Characteristics
These spirits highlight the raw, vegetal intensity of fresh sugarcane. Rhum Agricole tends to be drier and more structured, while Cachaça is rounder and more tropical. Both may be unaged (blanc/prata) or aged in oak (vieux/envelhecida).
Style
Sugarcane juice–based spirits
Body
Light to medium (unaged), medium to full (aged)
Alcohol
Typically 38–48% ABV
Base Material
Fresh-pressed sugarcane juice
Typical Flavors
Grassy cane, lime zest, green pepper, white flowers, banana, tropical fruit, light spice, earth, vanilla (aged)
Origin & History
Rhum Agricole originated in the French Caribbean—particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe—where producers began distilling directly from fresh cane juice in the 19th century. Today, it is protected by French AOC law and reflects both place and method. Cachaça, on the other hand, is Brazil’s oldest and most consumed spirit, dating back to the 1500s. It is produced exclusively in Brazil and legally distinct from rum, despite technical similarities. Both spirits reflect agricultural tradition, regional identity, and evolving artisanal techniques.
How It’s Made
Agricole Rhum and Cachaça are both made by fermenting fresh sugarcane juice soon after harvest, then distilling to capture the essence of the cane. Rhum Agricole is typically distilled to a slightly higher proof and must follow strict AOC regulations in Martinique. Cachaça can be distilled in pot or column stills and may include small amounts of added sugar (within legal limits). Aging in oak or native Brazilian woods adds complexity, spice, and golden color.
Notable Regions
Sauvignon Blanc thrives in a range of climates, offering strikingly different styles across the globe.
France
Loire Valley
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé
Crisp, mineral, and herbal; benchmark for elegance and restraint
France – Bordeaux
Graves & Pessac-Léognan
Often blended with Sémillon; richer, sometimes oaked
New Zealand
Marlborough
Vibrant, tropical, and intensely aromatic with gooseberry and passion fruit
United States
California
Napa, Sonoma
Riper and rounder, sometimes oaked (“Fumé Blanc” style)
Chile
Casablanca & San Antonio Valleys
Bright and zesty with lime, grapefruit, and herbal lift
Cocktail Pairings
These spirits bring brightness, herbal lift, and freshness to cocktails.
Classic
Ti' Punch (Rhum Agricole, lime, cane syrup), Caipirinha (Cachaça, lime, sugar)
Creative
Agricole Mojito, Cachaça sour with passionfruit, grassy daiquiri with honey
Seasonal
Cane julep, guava punch, spiced Cachaça toddy with clove and citrus
Food Pairings
The green, zesty profile of these spirits pairs well with seafood, citrus, and herbaceous flavors.
Cheese
Fresh chèvre, soft cow’s milk cheese, aged Canastra (Brazil)
Savory
Grilled fish with lime, shrimp moqueca, roast chicken with chimichurri, crab fritters
Dessert
Coconut flan, lime tart, pineapple upside-down cake, grilled mango
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass or small tumbler for neat pours; rocks or highball for cocktails
Temperature
Room temperature for sipping; chilled or over ice in mixed drinks
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place; best enjoyed within a year of opening
Fun Fact
Rhum Agricole must be made from cane juice harvested and fermented in the same growing region—one of the few spirits in the world with AOC status similar to wine.
Try This If You Like
Tequila Blanco
For herbal, green freshness
Mezcal
For earthy, regional character
Pisco
For grape-driven purity and brightness
White Rum
Especially craft or unaged styles made from cane juice
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of white rum, delivering both mixable clarity and flavorful complexity from the Caribbean’s finest traditions.
Bacardi
One of the most iconic names in rum, known for producing smooth, approachable white rum like Superior, a staple in classic cocktails.
Probitas
A collaborative blend from Foursquare (Barbados) and Hampden Estate (Jamaica), offering a refined white rum with depth, character, and true artisanal pedigree.
Recommended Pours
Bacardi - Rum Silver Light (Superior) — A clean and versatile white rum with subtle notes of almond, citrus, and vanilla, ideal for classic cocktails.
Probitas White Rum — A characterful blend of Barbados and Jamaican rums, offering bright tropical fruit, banana, and sugarcane notes with a smooth, dry finish.