Boukman

Dutty Boukman was a slave born in Jamaica and brought to work in the cane fields on the island then known as Saint-Domingue. He was also a priest of the voodoo religion who instigated a major slave revolt. He perished in battle, but the revolt continued, with Toussaint Louverture among its ranks. What followed is well known, and led to the creation of the state ofHaiti, the first independent black country.

This spiced rum is actually what's known as a clairin trempé, a grandmother's remedy for all ills or an aphrodisiac, also used in voodoo ceremonies and funeral wakes. Made without sugar, simply with spices and herbs, it's an essential part of the Haitian art of living.

Madame Mevs" cane is harvested by hand, then the juice is fermented for 36 to 48 hours. The must is distilled on a column of 7 to 9 trays, and leaves at 75% alcohol.

It is then macerated with bark from local woods (bois bandé, zou devant, campèche, bois cochon, oak), as well as fruits and spices (dried bitter orange peel, Jamaican pepper, cloves, vanilla, almonds, cinnamon).

In tribute to its namesake, Boukman reinvests its profits in the community and in NGOs working in the field of education. Read less