RUM LA FAVORITE EXPLORATION N°005 51.5° 70 CL

La Favorite is one of the last independent distilleries in Martinique, along with Neisson. It was founded in 1842 on the remains of a sugar mill called Les Jambettes before being renamed La Favorite in 1851. In 1909, when Henri Dormoy acquired it, he made some improvements to transform the sugar mill into a distillery. Following some setbacks related to Albert Dormoy's (Henri's son) gambling addiction, La Favorite ceased operations around 1938. Production resumed only when André, his younger brother, took it over and completely renovated it in 1956.

Today, La Favorite produces sugarcane on 60 hectares and also sources from small local producers; it still operates entirely using a steam engine built in 1906. The vesou (cane wine), obtained from the long-fermented cane juice (up to 72 hours), is distilled in 2 Creole columns, one of which is entirely made of copper and has been in operation since 1957, and the other, more modern, dates from 1986.

Exploration No. 5 is made from white rum from the 2021 harvest, aged for 16 months in 8 casks from the Navarre family cooperage. These new American oak casks have a light toast. 2,400 bottles were produced.