RHUM BALLY - Old Rum - Vintage 1929 - 41.5%
The Maison J. Bally holds a foundational place in the history of Martinican agricultural rum. Located in Carbet, not far from Mount Pelée, it traces its origins back to 1917, when Jacques Bally, an engineer from the École Centrale de Paris, bought the former sugar plantation Lajus, whose history dates back to the 17th century. A visionary, he immediately modernized the production tool by equipping it with a steam engine and a Creole column still designed by himself, inspired by the methods used to produce the great French eaux-de-vie. Jacques Bally thus became one of the pioneers of aging agricultural rums, giving his batches a unique identity very early on. This identity is also expressed through iconic bottles, initially pyramidal then square, which have now become legendary. Bally rum is now distilled by Saint-James, respecting this historical heritage.
The Rhum Bally – Vintage 1929 – 41.5% is one of the very first vintage rums from the house and constitutes a heritage piece of extreme rarity. Originating from a foundational vintage, it bears witness to the beginnings of long aging at Bally, at a time when this approach was still innovative. This bottle was acquired in 2019 directly from the Bally house, whose reserves still hold some historic bottles from the first vintage releases. Presented in a wooden box, it fully belongs to the category of collectible rums, preserved as much for their historical value as for their intrinsic quality. No additional data on the exact aging duration or types of barrels is available, and it would be inappropriate to speculate.
On tasting, when considered, this batch offers a expression deeply marked by time. The nose develops notes of old wood, dried fruits, cocoa, soft spices and ripe cane, with an elegant and quiet patina. The palate is supple, smooth, and harmonious, supported by a silky texture and great aromatic depth. The finish is long, warm, and refined, leaving an impression of nobility and delicate rancio. This Bally 1929 is primarily aimed at collectors and lovers of historic eaux-de-vie, for an exceptional tasting or heritage preservation. A legendary, rare, and history-laden bottle, witness to the very origins of aged agricultural rum.
