Wood-fire distillation keeps alive the ancestral tradition in the production of JBEY sugarcane brandy.
…Once the fermentation phase is complete, one of the most emblematic moments in the production of artisanal rum begins: distillation over a wood fire. This is an ancestral method that continues to resist time and industrialization, preserving traditional knowledge and guaranteeing a high-quality final product.
The process takes place in a large stone furnace, fueled by carefully selected logs, which heats a copper boiler with a capacity of approximately 400 liters. Unlike automated industrial systems, whether electric or gas-fired, wood-fired distillation requires constant monitoring by the distiller, who closely follows each stage of heating and alcohol extraction.
During distillation, the first alcohol to come out has an alcohol content higher than 70 degrees, known as the "head". This is followed by the "body", a phase in which the alcohol content varies between 60 and 25 degrees, considered the most prized part of the process. Finally, the "foot" appears. Only the body is used to produce a superior quality rum, with an alcohol content of around 45 degrees.
More than just a production method, distilling sugarcane over a wood fire represents a true ritual passed down through generations. The distillers, often guardians of ancient knowledge, combine technique, experience, and passion to keep alive a deeply rooted cultural heritage.
At the heart of this process is the harmony between man and nature. The use of firewood from local forests, chosen for its combustion qualities and aromas, creates a direct link between the land and the final product. Fire, a primordial element, plays a decisive role in releasing the subtle aromas of the sugarcane must, in a spectacle where flames and vapors intertwine in a delicate balance.
Distillation over a wood fire is also an art of patience and precision. Controlling the fire and the flow of vapors determines the sensory profile of the rum, allowing each producer to imprint their identity on the distillate. The result is a spirit rich in complex aromas and flavors, which transports the connoisseur on a journey to the heart of sugarcane and its terroir.
In a world increasingly dominated by modernity and mass production, this ancestral practice continues to stand out as a symbol of authenticity, tradition, and respect for nature. Each sip of rum distilled over a wood fire tells an ancient story, reminding us of the importance of preserving cultural roots and valuing the artisanal methods that give soul to products of excellence.
