The Témiscouata distillery is convinced that it can revolutionize the world of spirits thanks to its white acerum, a product made from maple products that is unique in Quebec.
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Bas-Saint-Laurent is only the second company after Distillerie Shefford to sell this maple eau-de-vie in the SAQ, but the ultimate goal is to break into the global market.
In addition to the Canadian provinces, France, Germany, England, in short, all the countries of Europe are in the crosshairs of the distillery, which owns about forty maple syrup producers.
“If you look at the rum and whiskey markets, it is certain that Acerum will have its place because it is a very good product, it is unique and new,” says Michaël Fortin, General Manager of the company founded in 2015.
Photos provided by Michaël Fortin
The managing director of the Distillerie Témiscouata Michaël Fortin is convinced of the international potential of Acerum blanc.
The company, which has several studies in hand, wants to start distributing its alcohol outside of Quebec fairly quickly.
“You just have to position the product, find partners and that’s what we’re working on, we sow everywhere,” he explains.
A chance for Quebec
Compared to Ireland and the United States for whiskey or the Caribbean Islands for rum, the manager acknowledges that Quebec does not have a long history of producing strong alcohol.
According to Michaël Fortin, Acerum is “simply the spirit of the future” and this is an incredible opportunity for the maple syrup industry to showcase their unique syrup.
“Whiskey, grains can grow anywhere on the planet, while maple syrup, 70% of world production, is made in Quebec, that’s really huge,” he analyzes.
recognized internationally
The white Acerum distilled in Témiscouata is already celebrated by spirits critics at an international level. Since its launch in November 2021, the product has won four medals at major competitions in Berlin, London and California.
Mr Fortin is also very proud to point out that all processing leading to the final product is done entirely at the distillery’s facilities in Auclair, a small community of 450 people.
“Casks of maple syrup go in one door and out the other end in a bottle ready for sale. »
Little known, Acerum is obtained solely by distilling alcohol from the fermentation of concentrated maple sap.
Photos provided by Michaël Fortin
The name, which is causing a stir among consumers, is composed of the Latin word “Acer” for maple and the English word “rum” for rum.
The product is available in white and brown. On the one hand, the rarer white Acerum has not been aged and has not undergone wood maceration. While the brown acerum, produced by at least eight Quebec distilleries, is aged for less than a year.