FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

American Rum Distilling Traditions Revive and Thrive in Louisiana

by Elyse Glickman

Dec 11, 2023

© Courtesy of Louisiana Spirits LLC

Daily

The Bourbon Trail and American Whiskey Trail are bonafide destinations for spirits connoisseurs worldwide, as both constitute a cocktail of fascinating production facility visits, spirits tastings and American history. However, members of The Louisiana Distillers Guild now blaze their own trail.

Sugarfield Spirits

© Sasso Marketing

Louisiana’s rum production history originated in the late 17th century, thanks to the arrival of French immigrants who also saw success cultivating tobacco. It was soon discovered the high humidity, damp soil and sultry summertime climate was also well suited for sugarcane production. This, in turn, begat the production of molasses, and later, the distillation of rum.

Although early rum production dried up with the arrival of Prohibition (and was controversial given the old distilleries’ ties to slavery), a new generation of craft distillers are not only reviving rum production, but also bringing innovation and craft sensibilities to their distillates. In and near New Orleans, one will find Atelier Vie, Seven Three Distilling, Lula Restaurant and Distillery, Porch Jam, Borasso, Roulaison and New Orleans Distillers. The Baton Rouge area (a.k.a. “Cajun Country”) is home to Oxbow Rum Distillery, Sugarfield Spirits and Noel Family Distillery. Wildcat Brothers is an hour west of Lafayette.

building

© Sasso Marketing

“Louisiana is one of the few environments in the country that has the right climate for sugarcane farming as well as the largest region for growing sugarcane,” said Andrew Lohfeld, co-founder and head distiller, Roulaison Distilling Co.

“This means we have a unique opportunity to do something to set ourselves apart from rums produced in other areas of the U.S. Our cane industry is well situated to promote a diverse array of rum producers. Furthermore, New Orleans and the Mississippi River have all been major focal points for some of the most pivotal moments of our nation’s history. When visiting the area, you experience just how deeply ensconced that sense of latent importance is prevalent in all things.”

Given the trail is an outgrowth of the U.S. small distilleries boom starting about 20 years ago, it is sure not to disappoint, as the distillery owners are addressing the demand for higher quality products and rums with distinctive flavors and ingredient combinations.

interior

© Courtesy of Louisiana Spirits LLC

“The rum trail/libations trail and our distillery launched at about the same time,” said Thomas Soltau, head distiller and principle owner, Sugarfields Spirits. “We have grown over the past four years as has the trail. The recent burgeoning rum manufacturers in the state are making Louisiana the nation’s destination for rum, as it produces more sugar and molasses than any other state in the United States.”

Olivia Stewart, president, Oxbow Distillery notes her decision to take over her family’s recently opened rum distillery continues a legacy dating back to the 19th century, where her ancestors farmed sugarcane, “What we’re doing is intrinsically tied to the land and the people that work so hard to farm in,” said Stewart. “The developing rum trail also encourages people to venture out from New Orleans and see more rural parts of the state.”

To learn more about distillery tours and related activities in Southern Louisiana, visit the Louisiana Libations page at Explore Louisiana’s website.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

eFlyer Reviews
Feb 12, 2025

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin Review

I recently visited La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, located on Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Although most of the resort is on the French side of St. Martin, a very small piece sits on the Dutch side, Sint-Maarten, making it possible to walk from France to Holland, and back again, by taking two steps. Of course, since most of the resort’s guests speak English, everyone working at the resort speaks English as well.

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

JW Marriott Expands in Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott just unveiled its second resort in the Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located in Kaafu atoll’s largest lagoon (just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport), this new and luxurious retreat spans 80 private pool villas, include 47 overwater pool villas.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

Air France Launches New Direct Flights Between Los Angeles and Nice, France

To celebrate Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Air France launches new direct flights between Hollywood and the French Riviera. A longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France once again restarts special flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Nice (NCE).

February 2025
Feb 10, 2025

Beaches, Parks and Family Attractions Make San Diego a Perennial Favorite

Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels to me like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Slideshow
Feb 10, 2025

8 Stained-Glass Windows to Put on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows with us.