FOOD + BEVERAGE

Elevate Your Tastes at 83 Islands

An emerging trend on the horizon has started shaking the spirit scene. The spotlight is shifting towards a beverage long overlooked by many – rum, and more specifically, pure cane rum, a unique manifestation of terroir products.

Pure cane rum, often referred to as Rhum Agricole, is a type of rum distilled directly from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice rather than the commonly used molasses.

This natural base ingredient imbues the spirit with a raw, organic flavour profile, crafting a more robust, earthy, and herbaceous expression of the spirit.

The concept of terroir, borrowed from the wine industry, refers to the unique environmental factors that impart distinctive characteristics to agricultural products.

For pure cane rum, terroir plays a pivotal role. The region’s climate, soil type, altitude, and even the varietal of sugarcane contribute to the complexity and diversity of flavours found within each bottle.

At 83 Islands Distillery in Port Vila, Vanuatu, they work with 50 local farmers that each cultivate their sugarcane in their own unique and organic ways.

A sip of pure cane rum transports you to its birthplace which makes tasting various batches of different origins another way to transport yourself around the world.

People familiar with Agricole Rum will recognise products from Martinique or Haiti easily but as the popularity of pure cane grows, new producers from unique new territories are starting to offer compelling rums from never before tasted regions of the world.

The emergence of pure cane rum demonstrates a broader trend in our food and drink culture – the desire for authenticity and connection with the source.

Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food and beverages come from, how they’re made, and who’s making them.

This has boosted the appeal of terroir products across the board. Each of 83 Islands batches is uniquely traced to its sugarcane field and farmer.

When you pick up a bottle, it comes with a link to their website which contains all the information about where the sugarcane comes from, as well as when and how the rum was made.

But how does it compare to traditional rum? Traditional rum, often sweet and versatile, has been a staple in many cocktails.

Pure cane rum, with its complex, earthy, herbaceous flavour profile, challenges this convention. It levels up cocktails by adding an additional layer of complexity.

Bartenders and mixologists, intrigued by the bold and diverse flavours of pure cane rum, are experimenting with new cocktails, creating drinks where the rum’s terroir shines through.

Consumers, too, are shifting their perceptions, viewing rum not just as a mixing spirit, but as a standalone drink to be appreciated in its pure form.

In the end, pure cane rum’s rise is about more than just a change in what we drink; it’s an evolution in how we perceive and appreciate our beverages.

As we pour ourselves a glass, we aren’t just tasting rum – we’re experiencing the craft, the culture, and the very land from which it originates.

83 Islands Distillery produces Yumi Rum, a pure cane rum made exclusively with locally grown sugarcane.

Visitors to Port Vila can learn more about how Vanuatu’s own rum is made. The 83 Islands distillery offers daily tours (weekdays) and tasting in the newest and best-looking bar in Vanuatu.

Non-drinkers can enjoy a solid selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.

It’s a must-visit for a fun and unique day out.

Ask your hotel concierge to arrange a visit or you can book online at 83islands.com