Overview: Oxbow Rum Distillery operates within Baton Rouge and Lakeland, Louisiana, utilizing local sugarcane to craft spirits. The operation functions as a fifth-generation family business with roots in the sugar industry dating back to 1859.
The Full Story
Olivia Stewart serves as a key figure carrying the legacy into a new chapter for the distillery. The facility opened in 2016, building on a multi-generational operation centered on sugarcane. Visitors can observe the production process during tours, which include feeding stalks through a crusher to extract fresh juice.
Production & Profile
The distillery utilizes an agricole-style rum method using cane juice rather than molasses. This approach showcases the natural flavor profile of the crop. After distillation, portions of the spirit age in oak barrels to develop color and flavor. The production philosophy prioritizes authentic flavor without additives or sugar.
Brand & Industry History
The family has worked in the sugar industry since 1859. Olivia Stewart is a fifth-generation member who lives on the farm in Lakeland where the cane is grown. The operation maintains a single estate model, owning the entire process from sugarcane planting to distillation.
What This Means
The single estate model allows ownership of the process from sugarcane planting through manufacturing and harvesting. This approach ensures the raw ingredient shines in the final product. The focus remains on keeping the product simple and authentic while carrying on a family legacy across five generations.
Consumer Takeaway
Tours conclude with a tasting of four spirits, including the cane juice rum. Guests are encouraged to discover the right pour for their preference. The distillery offers tours featuring a cane crusher and tasting experiences that highlight the local agricultural landscape.
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