Stade's Rum Rockley First Drops 49° is a molasses rum produced at the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD). This limited edition celebrates the rebirth of the legendary Rockley still , a historic piece of equipment dating back to the 1780s, restored by the Maison Ferrand team after several decades of disuse. Bottled at 49% ABV, this rum marks a new chapter in the history of this iconic still, a cornerstone of Barbadian rum heritage.
The fermentation , lasting approximately ten days , allows the development of the aromatic compounds characteristic of this vintage. The rum is then distilled in the traditional Rockley pot still, a copper still whose antique design testifies to the historical expertise of distillation in Barbados. Its restoration required over 2,000 hours of work, mobilizing specialized artisanal skills to bring this exceptional piece of equipment back to life.
After distillation, the rum undergoes two years of tropical aging in ex-bourbon barrels . This maturation in Barbados' hot and humid climate accompanies its development and contributes to the construction of its identity. The blend boasts a concentration of 209 g/hldap of esters , a technical figure that reflects the work carried out during fermentation and distillation.
Named First Drops, this bottling marks the first drops from the Rockley's return to service and was produced in a limited edition of 1,200 bottles.
