The Témiscouata Distillery is convinced that it will be able to revolutionize the world of spirits across the planet thanks to its white acerum, a unique product in Quebec made from maple products.
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The Bas-Saint-Laurent company is only the second after Distillerie Shefford to sell this maple eau-de-vie at the SAQ, but the ultimate goal is to break into the world 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 is the property of about forty producers of maple syrup.
“When you look at the rum and whiskey markets, it’s certain that acerum will have its place because it’s a very good product, it’s unique and it’s new,” says Michaël Fortin, general manager of the company which was founded in 2015.
Photos provided by Michaël Fortin
The general manager of the Témiscouata Distillery, Michaël Fortin, is convinced of the potential of white acerum on the international scene.
The company, which has several studies in hand, wants to distribute its alcohol fairly quickly outside of Quebec.
“You just have to position the product, find partners and that’s what we’re working on, we’re sowing seeds everywhere,” he explains.
A chance for Quebec
Compared to Ireland and the United States for whiskey or the Caribbean islands for rum, the manager recognizes that Quebec does not have a rich history in the production of strong alcohol.
According to Michaël Fortin, Acerum is “straightforward the spirit of the future” and this is an incredible opportunity for the maple syrup industry to showcase its unique syrup.
“Whiskey, grains, it can grow anywhere on the planet, while maple syrup, 70% of world production is made in Quebec, it’s really huge,” he analyzes.
Internationally acclaimed
The white acerum distilled in Témiscouata is already acclaimed by spirits critics on the international scene. Since its release in November 2021, the product has won four medals in major competitions in Berlin, London and California.
Mr. Fortin is also very proud to point out that all the processing that leads to the final product is done entirely in the distillery’s facilities in Auclair, a small municipality of 450 inhabitants.
“Maple syrup barrels go in one door and out the other end in a bottle ready to sell.”
Little known, acerum is obtained exclusively by the distillation of alcohol from the fermentation of concentrated maple sap.
Photos provided by Michaël Fortin
The name that raises eyebrows among consumers comes from the contraction of the Latin word Acer, meaning “maple”, and from the English word rum for “rum”.
The product is available in white and brown. On the one hand, the white acerum, which is rarer, has not been aged and has not undergone wood maceration. While brown acerum, produced by at least eight Quebec distilleries, is aged for less than a year.