RHUM BALLY – Old Rum – Vintage 1929 – 41.5%
The Maison J. Bally holds an iconic place in the history of Martinican agricole rum, standing out as a pioneer of this spirit heritage. Located in Carbet, near the majestic Mount Pelée, Bally's journey began in 1917 when Jacques Bally, a renowned engineer from the École Centrale de Paris, acquired the former sugar estate Lajus, whose roots date back to the 17th century. Visionary and innovative, Jacques Bally immediately revolutionized the distillery by integrating a modern steam engine and designing a Creole column inspired by the most prestigious French distillation techniques. Bally then established himself as one of the first craftsmen of aging agricole rums, forging a unique signature for his vintages through the bold choice of barrel aging. Originality is also found in its iconic bottles with pyramid then square shapes, now sought after by connoisseurs worldwide. Today, Bally rum is distilled by Saint-James, strictly respecting the heritage and historical know-how, perpetuating the tradition of Martinican excellence.
The Bally Rum – Vintage 1929 – 41.5% stands out as one of the very first exceptional vintages of the distillery and represents a heritage piece of absolute rarity. Coming from a founding vintage, it testifies to Bally’s remarkable early practice of extended aging, at a time when this was unprecedented and avant-garde in the rum world. This historic bottle was acquired in 2019 directly from Maison Bally, whose reserves house a few last bottles carefully preserved from the brand’s heritage. Housed in a noble wooden box, it ranks among the greatest collector rums, prized both for their historical authenticity and their exceptional organoleptic quality. It should be noted that no additional information is available regarding the aging duration or the type of barrels used; any assumption would be inappropriate given the unique character of this legendary rum.
On tasting, this exceptional vintage reveals a deep imprint of time. The nose expresses captivating aromas of precious wood, dried fruits, cocoa, fine spices, and ripe cane, enriched by an elegant and refined patina, reflecting decades of maturation. The palate, remarkably supple, stands out with a melted and silky texture, unveiling an explosion of flavors of great complexity. The finish, long, deep, and warm, leaves a persistent sensation of nobility and subtle rancio, a signature of the greatest exceptional rums. A true icon, the Bally 1929 is aimed at demanding collectors and rare spirit enthusiasts, for an unparalleled tasting experience or preservation in a prestigious setting.
Discover this mythical bottle, symbol of the excellence of ancestral agricole rum, and immerse yourself in the history of Martinican rum, exclusively at Clos des Spiritueux, the essential reference for purchasing, collecting, and discovering the world’s greatest spirits.
