Chalong Bay Rum, a unique distillery located in Chalong, Phuket, is owned by Marine Lucchini and Thibault Spithakis, a passionate French couple who share a love for rum. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I had the pleasure of visiting their distillery and learning about their journey into the world of rum production.
Marine and Thibault's story is one of love and dedication to their craft. They both grew up in France, surrounded by the rich wine culture that the country is known for. However, it was the allure of rum that brought them together. They discovered a shared passion for this spirit and decided to embark on an adventure to create their own rum brand.
When they first moved to Phuket, they were amazed by the abundance of high-quality sugarcane available on the island. They saw the potential to create a unique rum using locally sourced ingredients. With a deep desire to craft a premium product, they founded Chalong Bay Rum in 2012, becoming the first and only working distillery in Phuket.
I had the opportunity to meet Marine and Thibault during my visit to Chalong Bay Rum, and their passion for their craft was evident from the moment we started talking. They explained that their goal was not only to produce a great-tasting rum but also to showcase the beauty and diversity of Thai sugarcane.
The distillery itself is a sight to behold. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it exudes a rustic charm that perfectly complements the traditional distillation process employed by Marine and Thibault. They use a unique copper still, which was custom-made to their specifications, to carefully distill their rum in small batches.
One of the things that impressed me the most about Chalong Bay Rum is their commitment to sustainability. Marine and Thibault strive to minimize their environmental impact by using only locally sourced sugarcane, which reduces transportation emissions. They also ensure that all waste produced during the distillation process is recycled or repurposed.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of tasting their range of rums, each offering a distinct flavor profile that showcased the quality of the ingredients used. From their smooth and delicate white rum to their rich and complex aged expressions, every sip was a testament to the expertise and passion that goes into crafting Chalong Bay Rum.
In addition to their exceptional rums, Chalong Bay Rum also offers guided tours of their distillery, allowing visitors to witness the production process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the art of rum-making. The tour also includes a tasting session, where guests can sample the different expressions and learn about the nuances of each.
To sum it up, Chalong Bay Rum is owned by Marine Lucchini and Thibault Spithakis, a French couple who have dedicated themselves to creating a premium rum brand in Phuket. Their passion for rum, commitment to sustainability, and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of their distillery and product range. If you're a rum enthusiast or simply curious about the art of distillation, a visit to Chalong Bay Rum is an absolute must.