A spiced Haitian rum made with the revolutionary spirit of Dutty Boukman in mind.

Boukman was transported to Haiti as a slave, but became a leader of the “Maroons” (independent societies of escaped and free black people) and a voodoo priest. In 1791, Boukman ignited the Haitian Revolution, swearing an oath to liberty that was toasted with rum. Boukman was soon killed by French colonist but, the movement he started eventually freed Haiti, and defeated Napoleon’s armies.

Haiti is a somewhat overlooked rum producing nation, with hundreds of small scale, traditional distilleries (some still operated by hand and by animals). Boukman is an Agricole rum, produced using the fermented juice of the pressed sugar cane, rather than with molasses (the base ingredient used by 98% of the rum industry). The result is a spirit that leans more grassy, dry and fragrant, than heavy and rich.

Boukman produce their spirit in the traditional Haitian way, similar to a local spiced moonshine known as “kleren tronpe”. Indeed, the founder Boukman Rum, Josette Buffaret Thomas, said “If kleren tronpe had a more sophisticated and elegant cousin, Boukman Rhum would be it.”

Boukman uses spirit from two of the best “rhum terroirs” in Haiti, Croix des Bouquets in the country’s south, and Cap Haïtien in the north – which was the original battlefield of Dutty Boukman’s rebellion. The cane is swiftly pressed and fermented, to preserve its delicate flavours. Boukman then add a series of wild-foraged botanicals, many of which are native to Haiti. These include local barks and fragrant woods (bois bandé, zou’devant, campèche, bois cochon, oak), bitter orange peel, cloves, all spice, vanilla, bitter almond and cinnamon.

The final result is a dry and refreshing bottling with notes of fragrant wood, cardamom, vanilla, almond, delicate – slightly vegetal – sugar cane, orange rind, cloves and dried lime rind. Boukman Rhum is a far cry from the usual, mass produced rums.

Bottled at 45% ABV for greater intensity, Boukman Rhum asserts itself in any drink. The company suggest serving two shots of the rum with four dashes of orange bitters and half a measure of PX sherry for a “Boukman Old Fashioned”. The rum is beautifully presented with a label that recalls Boukman’s pledge to Haiti’s freedom.

Ensuring that their invocation of Dutty Boukman’s memory is more than a gimmick, Boukman Rhum give a portion of their profits to Haiti Futur, a charity that aims to transform education in Haiti through digital technology.

A bottling with a conscience that is as strong as its flavours.

• Product type
  White
• Distillery / brand
  Boukman
• Country
  Haiti
• Non-chillfiltered
  No
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  038562