Auction

Saint James 2008 Of. bottled 2017 Velier 70th Anniversary Cask Strengh

  • 60.80% |
  • 0.70L

A Saint James Martinique rum distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2017 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Genoese importer and bottler Velier in 1947. It was a way for director Luca Gargano to bring things full circle, having worked for the brand as a sales representative in 1975, aged …More info

  • Distillery: Saint James
  • Appellation: Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux
  • Country/Region: France Martinique
  • Quantity: 1 Bottle
  • Level: 1 base of neck
  • State: 1 good appearance

Lot presentation
Saint James 2008 Of. bottled 2017 Velier 70th Anniversary Cask Strengh

The wine

A Saint James Martinique rum distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2017 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Genoese importer and bottler Velier in 1947. It was a way for director Luca Gargano to bring things full circle, having worked for the brand as a sales representative in 1975, aged just 18 years old, before embarking on his adventure with Velier.

The distillery Saint James

In the second half of the 18th century, Martinique became a major sugar producer. The Trou Vaillant habitation, managed by the Brothers of Charity, was home to stills used to distil molasses residue to raise financial support for the Saint-Pierre military hospital at the foot of Mount Pelée which they ran. Father Edmond Lefébure, the head of the congregation, took matters into hand and organized the export of excess rum supplies to the English colonies in North America, as it was illegal to export the product to France to prevent competition with wine-based spirits. It was sold under the name Saint James, which was easier for the English to pronounce and named after Saint Jacques, one of the estate’‘s habitations. In the 19th century, Martinique became a leading rum producer. The brand was registered in 1882 after it was bought by Paulin Lambert, a Marseilles businessman who purchased several habitations and oversaw the production of rum and its export to mainland France, making the most of the Restoration to acquire properties from religious orders that had been nationalized during the French Revolution. Lambert was also behind the square-shaped bottle found today and used for the first vintage rum released by the house in 1885. The brand became a huge success despite the damage caused by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. The company was bought by Cointreau in 1973, who grouped all the facilities together in Sainte-Marie.

Detailed characteristics

  • Distillery: Saint James
  • Vintage: 2008
  • Bottler: Of.
  • Appellation: Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux
  • Country/Region: France Martinique
  • Alcohol percentage: 60.80 %
  • Volume: 0.70L
  • Quantity: 1 Bottle
  • Level: 1 base of neck
  • State: 1 good appearance
  • Case: Yes
  • Origin: Trade
  • Recoverable VAT: Yes
  • Color: Brown
Saint James 2008 Of. bottled 2017 Velier 70th Anniversary Cask Strengh
Saint James 2008 Of. bottled 2017 Velier 70th Anniversary Cask Strengh

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iDealwine price estimate
Saint James 2008 Of. bottled 2017 Velier 70th Anniversary Cask Strengh

iDealwine Price(1) corresponds to the hammer price and the buyer's premium charged by the auctioneer. (1)Bottle format