HISTORY
The Rum of Madeira Island
'Madeira Rum', commonly known as sugarcane spirit, is a rum with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) produced in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, obtained exclusively by alcoholic fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice. reason classified as agricultural rum, presenting quality and unique characteristics, the result of traditional production processes and experience accumulated over generations.
«Rum da Madeira» is available in a wide range of presentations, starting from the beginning with the newest rum, also known as natural rum, the main raw material and indispensable for the preparation of the famous and typical «Poncha da Madeira», extending to other categories of rum usually aged in oak casks for long periods.
The production and marketing of "Madeira Rum" is regulated by Regional Legislative Decree No. 5/2011/M, of 15 March, which establishes in particular the various categories of rum and the corresponding traditional terms, as well as the other rules of labeling that apply to 'Madeira Rum', particularly to aged rum.
Under the terms of the aforementioned legislation, the protected geographical indication “Rum da Madeira” or “Rum Agrícola da Madeira” must appear on the labeling of 'Rum da Madeira'. / aging period or year of production, provided that the corresponding specifications are met:
The following traditional terms can be used on the labeling of 'Rum da Madeira':
«Cane spirit», «sugar cane spirit» or «sugar cane spirit» - terms compatible with any category of «Madeira Rum»;
"Velho", "old rum" or "old brandy" - terms reserved for "Rum da Madeira" aged in oak cask for a minimum period of 3 years.
The labeling of 'Madeira Rum' may include an indication of age whenever the rum has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum period corresponding to the age in question. The permitted age indications are as follows:
"3 years";
“6 years” or “Reservation”;
"nine years old";
“12 years old” or “Reserva Velha”;
“15 years” or “Special Reserve”;
“18 years old” or “Superior Reserve”;
“21 years old” or “Great Reserve”;
«25 years old» or other indication of older age approved by the IVBAM, associated or not with the mention «Grande Reserva Premium» .
The year of production may appear on the labeling of «Madeira Rum» provided that it was actually produced in its entirety in the year in question and subsequently aged in oak barrels until bottling.
Bottling of «Rum da Madeira» with indication of the year of production can only be carried out after a minimum period of 3 years of aging, it is always mandatory to include the year of bottling on the label.
Text taken from portal: IVBAM
Galery of Historical photos: