Rhum Barbancourt Réserve Spéciale 5 star
Rhum Barbancourt is a well-known rum producing company based in Haiti. Their rums are widely regarded as being one of the best rums produced in Latin America and the Caribbean and of having some of the finest rums in the world. The family business originated in the 1860s, with the product being made from sugar cane juice. Dupré Barbancourt, a Frenchman hailing from the cognac-producing region of Charente emigrated to Haiti where he founded his future company in 1862. After discovering the procedure in making the rum in December of that year, he immediately began selling it for G1.50 (US$0.30) per gallon the next day. In 1952, the now successful company ramped up production, transforming itself from what once was a cottage industry into a major world producer of quality rum.
Barbancourt is made directly from sugar cane juice rather than the sugar cane by-product of molasses. This is similar to the rhums agricole of Martinique, which are strictly controlled by law. Fermenting fresh sugar cane juice provides a more flavorful product to be distilled.citation needed] Another alcoholic beverage made from fresh sugar cane juice is cachaça from Brazil.
Barbancourt's products are highly regarded, having won many tastings and competitions, as well as earning excellent reviews by rum connoisseurs. Available in the United States, its Estate Réserve is aged for 15 years. Within the Caribbean region, the original Réserve du Domaine is also aged 15 years, and each bottle previously had a unique serial number--however the labels have changed recently and this is no longer the case. Other popular products include the 5 Star Réserve Spéciale aged for 8 years, the 3 Star rhum aged 4 years and a clear, white rhum, all made from fresh sugar cane juice.
Barbancourt's rums are marketed in 20 countries and Barbancourt is among Haiti's best known companies internationally.
The sugar cane used to produce the juice used to distill Barbancourt's rum is grown on plantations owned directly by the company. The rum is double distilled, using a process similar to that used to produce cognac.