Trois Riviéres distillery

Introduction to Trois Riviéres

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Trois Riviéres is a prestigious Martinican rum distillery that perfectly embodies the rich heritage of French Caribbean rhum agricole production. Located on the southeastern coast of Martinique, this historic estate has become synonymous with exceptional quality and authentic terroir-driven spirits. The distillery stands as a testament to the island’s agricultural legacy, producing rums that capture the essence of its volcanic soil and tropical climate.

Trois Riviéres has earned its place among the elite rum producers of the world, representing the distinctive AOC Martinique designation that ensures the highest standards of production and authenticity.

Why we have a soft spot for Trois Riviéres

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that honor their heritage while delivering exceptional flavor experiences. Trois Riviéres captivates us with its ability to transform fresh sugarcane juice into complex, elegant rums that brilliantly express their terroir. We admire their commitment to the traditional methods of rhum agricole production, where the unique volcanic soil and maritime climate of Martinique create a distinctive profile unlike any other rum in the world.

The meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production—from harvest to distillation to aging—results in rums of remarkable character and depth that continue to surprise and delight even the most seasoned spirits enthusiasts.

The History of Trois Riviéres

Origin and development

Trois Riviéres was established in 1660, making it one of the oldest estates in Martinique. The plantation was named after the three rivers that bordered its original property, providing fertile soil and abundant water. Initially focused on sugar production, the estate transitioned to rum distillation in the 18th century, pioneering what would become the rhum agricole tradition.

Throughout the centuries, Trois Riviéres has weathered historical changes, including shifts in ownership and evolving production methods. In 2003, it became part of Groupe BBS, ensuring the preservation of its heritage while continuing to innovate within the strict guidelines of the AOC Martinique certification established in 1996.

The people behind

Today, Trois Riviéres is guided by a team of dedicated professionals who balance respect for tradition with forward-thinking approaches to rum production. Master distiller Daniel Baudin has been instrumental in maintaining the distillery’s exceptional standards while exploring new expressions that showcase the versatility of rhum agricole.

The agricultural team works closely with the distillery, understanding that quality rum begins in the cane fields. This farm-to-bottle approach ensures that each release embodies the true character of the estate’s terroir and the expertise of its craftspeople.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Trois Riviéres begins with the harvest of fresh sugarcane, typically between February and June. Unlike most rums, which use molasses, rhum agricole is made exclusively from pure sugarcane juice, which must be processed within 24 hours of harvesting to preserve its freshness and distinctive flavors.

The juice is fermented for approximately 24-36 hours before distillation in column stills. Trois Riviéres employs a specific distillation technique that results in a higher proof spirit with concentrated flavors, while still capturing the essential character of the sugarcane.

Maturation and aging

The aging process occurs in French oak barrels, many of which previously held cognac or other fine spirits. The tropical climate of Martinique accelerates the maturation process, with rum evolving much faster than spirits aged in cooler climates. This dynamic aging environment creates complex interactions between the spirit and wood, developing rich flavors of vanilla, spice, and tropical fruits.

Trois Riviéres produces a range of expressions, from blanc (unaged) rums that showcase the pure essence of sugarcane to vintage-dated aged expressions that can mature for decades, developing remarkable complexity and depth.

Selected Products from Trois Riviéres

Trois Riviéres Blanc – An introduction to the house style

This unaged rum is the purest expression of Trois Riviéres’ terroir. Crystal clear and vibrant, it offers pronounced notes of fresh grass, citrus, and raw sugarcane. The palate delivers a clean, mineral-driven experience with hints of olive, pepper, and floral elements. This versatile spirit serves as both an excellent introduction to rhum agricole and a favorite among enthusiasts for its authenticity and mixability.

Trois Riviéres VSOP Reserve Speciale – An experience for connoisseurs

Aged for at least four years in French oak, this sophisticated expression demonstrates the extraordinary complexity that develops through extended maturation. Expect elegant notes of dried fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted wood, balanced by a distinctive grassy character that reminds you of its agricole origins. The mouthfeel is velvety with a prolonged finish that reveals layers of spice, oak, and delicate tropical fruit.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Trois Riviéres welcomes visitors to its historic estate in Martinique, offering guided tours that showcase both the agricultural heritage and distillation process. The experience begins in the cane fields, continues through the production facilities, and culminates in the aging cellars where hundreds of barrels slowly mature the precious liquid.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions from their portfolio, giving guests an appreciation for how different aging periods and techniques influence the final product. The estate also features a beautiful colonial house that provides historical context for the development of rum in the French Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trois Riviéres?

Trois Riviéres is a historic rum distillery in Martinique specializing in rhum agricole—rum made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. It operates under the strict AOC Martinique designation, which ensures traditional production methods and quality standards. Their approach combines centuries-old techniques with careful quality control to create distinctive spirits that showcase the unique terroir of the island.

Where is Trois Riviéres located?

The distillery is located in Saint-Luce on the southeastern coast of Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. This specific location contributes to the unique character of the rum, as the volcanic soil, sea breezes, and tropical climate all influence the cultivation of sugarcane and the maturation of the spirits.

What characterizes Trois Riviéres?

Trois Riviéres is known for its distinctively elegant and complex rhum agricole style, featuring pronounced grassy, floral, and mineral notes that reflect its terroir. Their portfolio ranges from unaged blanc expressions that showcase the pure sugarcane character to meticulously aged rums with tremendous depth and complexity. The distillery is particularly respected for its vintage-dated releases, which capture the unique character of specific harvests and aging conditions.

Where can I buy rum from Trois Riviéres?

You can find selected bottles from Trois Riviéres at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our collection to include both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to some of the finest rhum agricole available. Our team is always ready to help you discover the perfect expression to match your preferences or to expand your rum exploration journey.