Rhum JM Atelier Fumee Volcanique
Rhum JM Atelier Fumee Volcanique is a 49% ABV 700mL Martinique rhum agricole from the L'Atelier des Rhums series — aged 12 to 14 months in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels at the distillery's own cooperage in Macouba, where the extreme char lends a volcanic smokiness to the spirit. Crafted by master blender Karine Lassalle and launched in February 2024, it is the bold entry of the Atelier trio. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 49%
- Size: 700mL
- Aging: 12–14 months in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels (on-site cooperage)
- Smoke source: extreme barrel char — not smoked, peated, or finished
- Distillery: Fonds-Préville, Macouba, Martinique — at the foot of Mount Pelée
- Style: AOC Martinique rhum agricole — fresh sugarcane juice, Creole copper column still
Volcanic Smoke, Straight from the Barrel
"Fumée Volcanique" means volcanic smoke — and for Rhum J.M's Atelier series it is a promise kept by wood, not gimmick. Master blender Karine Lassalle ages this rhum agricole in barrels charred to the extreme at J.M's on-site cooperage in Macouba, at the foot of Mount Pelée, and lets that char speak with the voice of the island's volcanic terroir. The base spirit is pure Martinique: estate and neighboring-farm cane crushed within an hour of harvest, a 24-hour open fermentation with French baker's yeast, and distillation on the Creole copper column still. It scored 93 points from VinePair. Browse the Rhum J.M collection and more agricole and cane rums at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Char-driven and elemental — campfire and toasted oak over the agricole's signature grassy cane-funk, with charred sugar, warm spice, and a long, smoky finish that stays elegant rather than ashy.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a drop of water to separate the char from the cane; a serious bottle for agricole fans and a revelation in a smoky ti' punch variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhum JM Fumee Volcanique a smoked rum?
No — the smokiness comes from the extreme char of the ex-bourbon barrels it ages 12–14 months in; nothing is smoked, peated, or added.
What does "Fumée Volcanique" mean?
"Volcanic smoke" — a nod to Mount Pelée, the volcano at the foot of which the Fonds-Préville distillery sits.
What is rhum agricole?
A style of rum distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice (not molasses), produced under the AOC Martinique appellation.
Agricole fire, aged in volcanic-charred oak — order Rhum JM Atelier Fumee Volcanique online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.