Rosalie Bay Distilling’s Kosher Calvados Barrels: A New Chapter in Caribbean Rum
At Rosalie Bay Distilling, we’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries of Caribbean rum while staying true to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. This April, we’re introducing an exciting new element to our aging program—22 kosher-certified Calvados barrels straight from France.
What Makes These Barrels Special?
Calvados, the renowned apple brandy of Normandy, is aged in French oak barrels that develop rich layers of fruit, spice, and oak character over time. By repurposing these barrels for our rum, we’re infusing our spirit with subtle notes of caramelized apples, warm baking spices, and a touch of French elegance.
But these aren’t just any Calvados barrels. They’re kosher-certified, ensuring they meet strict quality and purity standards—a rare and exciting distinction in the rum world.
Aging Rum with a Unique Twist
So, what can you expect from a Calvados-aged rum? Here’s what makes this process so unique:
Natural Fruit Complexity – The residual influence of apple and pear from the Calvados enhances our rum’s natural cane sweetness with a fresh, vibrant twist.
Delicate Oak Integration – French oak is more porous than American oak, leading to a smoother, well-rounded aging process.
Balanced Spice & Vanilla – The interaction of rum with the seasoned barrels will add soft spice notes—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of vanilla.
With an arrival date set for April 4th, we’re gearing up to start aging select batches of our premium rum in these barrels as soon as they land in Dominica.
Bridging Heritage & Innovation
This barrel-aging project is more than just an experiment—it’s a statement. We’re combining French craftsmanship, Caribbean terroir, and kosher certification to create a rum that stands out on the global stage. Our goal is to blend tradition with modern innovation, crafting a spirit that speaks to both connoisseurs and adventurers alike.
Stay tuned as we document the aging process, share tasting notes, and—when the time is right—release something truly special from these barrels.
We can’t wait to raise a glass with you.
Cheers,
The Rosalie Bay Distilling Team
