What does the term 'rhum agricole' refer to?

The term 'rhum agricole' specifically refers to a style of rum that is made from fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses, which is a byproduct of sugar production. This method of production is mainly associated with the French-speaking regions of the Caribbean, such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. The use of fresh sugar cane juice gives rhum agricole a distinctive flavor profile that is often characterized by fresh, grassy, and vegetal notes, setting it apart from rums made from molasses.

While other types of rum are produced in the Caribbean, including those made from molasses and flavored rums, the defining feature of rhum agricole is its base of sugar cane juice, which is why it is correctly identified by that characteristic. This allows for a greater expression of the terroir and the sugar cane itself in the final product.