Bologne distillery is the oldest distillery in Guadeloupe. The history of the founding family can be traced back to the sixteenth Century, when they emigrated from France to the Spanish colony in Brazil.
Official website: rhumbologne.fr
In the official region of Brazil, the Dutch emigrants then found prosperity in the cultivation of sugar cane and the subsequent sale of sugar to the rest of the world (especially Europe). In the 17th Century, after fighting and then gaining independence, the Portuguese expelled the Dutch refugees along with the Brazilians. Because of religious beliefs, they eventually landed not in Martinique but Guadeloupe. However, the initially prosperous and wealthy family business was sold in the second half of the 18th Century due to financial problems.
It was not until 1830 that Jean-Antoine Ame-Noel bought the dilapidated estate, becoming the first black man to own a property of such importance. The estate prospered economically, despite the political changes. The entire estate covered about 140 hectares and included buildings for the processing of sugar cane and the production of rums and sugar cane plantations. After Jean-Antoine's death, the estate passed to his nephew, who, despite his best efforts, was unable to pay his debts and eventually all his property was auctioned off. At the end of the 19th Century, the estate was sold off. The property was bought by the Le Dentu & Cie Corporation in the late 19th Century and completely modernised. However, even this company was unable to maintain and finance such a large estate and eventually sold it off. Since 1930, when it was bought at auction, the Sargenton-Callard family has taken care of the estate.
The unique feature of the Guadeloupe distillery is that black cane is still grown there. This now primarily forgotten cultivar has an entirely different and exceptional aromatic potential - its concentrate is used in the blends of these Bolognese rums. The Black Cane limited series lets the unusual notes of black cane shine through. The black canes are hand-harvested during sunny days and the juice is then extracted from the cane. The aroma of this variety of cane is stronger than others, but at the same time more subtle, reflecting the rays of the sun and the taste of tropical fruits. This white rum was created by blending black cane rums and aging them in barrels for several months. Due to the black cane concentrate, the rum has a beautifully full fruit flavour that is tempered by notes of sour citrus. The sweetness of mango, lychee, and other tropical fruits combined with subtle floral notes is broken up by green pepper, mint, liquorice, and ginger.
Rhum Bologne XO, mahogany rum that has been aged in oak barrels for 6 to 10 years awaits you in an elegant bottle. Its taste is complex, mature, and aromatic. The flavour palette covers classic notes of vanilla, exotic and dried fruits, finishing with a combination of saffron and ginger. In addition, there are hints of mahogany and a subtly sweet taste of candied fruit, liquorice, and traditional fine tannins. This combination gives the rum the elegance and seductiveness of an old rum, but without being heavy - on the contrary, the fruity finish softens its deep notes of honey, cocoa, and woodiness.
Cuvée Bologne 1887 is a limited edition that was created to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the distillery. The careful selection for this blend is intended to reflect the fullness and beauty of the aged rum; the elegance and luxury is reflected in the amber hues of its colour, which is enclosed in a beautiful bottle - a decanter. The rum begins with a full-bodied flavour of sweet stone fruit tempered by orange peel and citrus peel. The aroma finishes with dried fruits and vanilla. This rum is best enjoyed on its own, because despite its simplicity, you will always have the feeling that it is hiding something from you.
