A New Icon in the World of Spirits
The Scots have Scotch, the French have Cognac, the Americans have Bourbon… and now, Quebec has Acerum. This unique spirit, still relatively unknown to the global market, is a true game-changer in the world of fine liquors. Made exclusively from Quebec’s maple sap, Acerum is more than just another distilled alcohol—it’s a celebration of the region’s rich terroir and deep-rooted traditions.
What is Acerum?
Acerum is an eau-de-vie crafted solely from the fermentation and distillation of maple sap concentrate. The name itself is a blend of the Latin word “Acer” (meaning maple) and “Rum,” hinting at its distillation process, which shares similarities with rum production. However, instead of sugarcane, the sugar source in Acerum comes from pure Quebec maple syrup.
To ensure authenticity and quality, Acerum must adhere to strict production guidelines established by the Union des distillateurs de spiritueux d'érable (UDSÉ). This means:
The only fermentable sugars allowed must come from maple syrup, maple water, or concentrated maple sap.
The fermentation, distillation, and bottling must all take place in Quebec.
No additives are permitted after distillation, except for water used for dilution.
This rigorous process guarantees that Acerum delivers a pure, authentic maple essence in every sip.
The Art of Distillation
Crafting Acerum is a meticulous process that requires expertise and patience. The journey begins with the careful collection of maple sap, which is then concentrated and fermented to produce alcohol. The resulting liquid is distilled to extract the finest flavors, capturing the essence of maple in a smooth and aromatic spirit.
Some Acerum varieties are aged in oak barrels, allowing them to develop deeper complexity, much like whisky or Cognac. Others remain unaged, offering a crisp and fresh maple character that highlights the natural sweetness of the source.
A Spirit with Character
Acerum is an incredibly versatile spirit. It can be enjoyed neat, much like a fine whisky or brandy, revealing its rich and complex flavors. It also makes a fantastic base for cocktails, adding depth and a uniquely Quebecois touch to classic drinks.
Imagine sipping on an Acerum Old Fashioned, where the natural maple notes replace traditional sugar, or a Maple Sour, blending Acerum with citrus for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Why Acerum Deserves a Spot on the Global Stage
Quebec’s maple syrup is already a world-renowned delicacy, but Acerum takes it one step further—transforming it into a refined, high-quality spirit that rivals the great liquors of the world. Its production process is sustainable, as maple trees can be tapped for generations without harm, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to other spirits that rely on grain or sugarcane agriculture.
With its unique flavor profile and deep connection to Quebec’s culture, Acerum has the potential to become an iconic Canadian spirit, much like how Tequila represents Mexico or Cognac symbolizes France.
Where to Find Acerum
For those looking to experience Acerum, small-batch distilleries across Quebec are producing high-quality versions of this emerging spirit. While still in its early stages of global recognition, Acerum is gradually making its way onto the shelves of specialty liquor stores and high-end bars.
Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast, a mixologist looking for new flavors, or simply a lover of all things maple, Acerum is a must-try. With each sip, you’re not just tasting a drink—you’re experiencing a piece of Quebec’s heritage, bottled and distilled to perfection.
Here is list Quebec Acerum distillery
- Distillerie Fove
- Distillerie Mitis
- O’Dwyer Distillerie Gaspésienne
- Distillerie Shefford
- Distillerie Domaine Small
- Distillerie du St. Laurent
- Distillerie Témiscouata
Cheers to the rise of Acerum, the spirit of Quebec!