BA IPA Rum

The portrait

Rhum BA IPA is a bold creation that combines the hoppy world of India Pale Ales with the warmth and roundness of Martinique agricultural rum. Aged in rum barrels that once contained precious Caribbean nectar, this IPA develops a unique aromatic complexity that transcends the boundaries between beer and spirits.

As one taster puts it: "Matured on Martinique rhum barrels" – aged in Martinique rum barrels. This time spent in barrels gives the IPA characteristic notes not usually found in this style: touches of vanilla, caramel, and a tropical sweetness that coat the typical hop bitterness.

Visually, the beer has a slightly cloudy golden to amber color, typical of modern IPAs. On the nose, we imagine a complex bouquet where classic citrus and resin aromas from hops mingle with the sweeter notes of vanilla, exotic fruits, and oak brought by the rum barrel. On the palate, the experience is marked by this duality between the characteristic bitterness of IPAs and the warm roundness of agricultural rum.

With its 7% alcohol content, Rhum BA IPA falls within a comfortable range for an IPA, allowing barrel aging to add complexity without overwhelming the flavor profile. Another enthusiast 's reference to a "Caipirinha" suggests a cocktail-like quality, reminiscent of the Brazilian caipirinha.

The story

Rhum BA IPA is part of the great tradition of barrel aging, a barrel-aging technique that allows beers to acquire an additional dimension by absorbing the aromas of the wood and spirits that previously occupied it. The choice of Martinique rum barrels is not insignificant: it demonstrates a quest for excellence and authenticity.

Martinique agricultural rum has benefited from an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) since 1996, a guarantee of quality and authenticity. Produced from pure fresh cane juice (and not molasses), it develops characteristic aromatic profiles: fresh vegetal notes in white rums, aromas of vanilla, dried fruits, caramel and spices in rums aged in oak barrels. It is these barrels, having contained amber or old rum, which were used to age this IPA.

By marrying the bitterness and citrus aromas typical of an IPA with the vanilla and spicy roundness of Martinique rum barrels, La Nébuleuse has created a taste bridge between two fermented worlds: the North American brewing tradition of the IPA and the ancestral know-how of West Indian master rum makers.

This beer was presented at the beginning of 2018, notably at events such as the Parisian bar Dynamo - Bar de Soif and at Mise En Biere , demonstrating its confidential dimension and its status as an ephemeral creation intended for amateurs in search of original taste experiences.

Food and beer pairings

With its hybrid profile of IPA aged in rum barrels, the Rhum BA IPA called for creative pairings playing on its multiple facets:

Spicy Food : Like any good IPA, this beer would pair wonderfully with spicy dishes—an Indian curry, a Caribbean pork Colombo, or a spicy Thai dish. The bitterness of the hops balances the heat of the spices, while the rum notes add a tropical dimension.

Smoked or grilled fish : A sweet and sour smoked salmon or grilled tuna would create a nice complement with the woody notes of the barrel and the hoppy bitterness.

Mature cheeses : A Comté aged for 24 months or an old Gouda whose notes of dried fruit would resonate with the character of the aged rum, while standing up to the power of the IPA.

Creole cuisine : A local pairing with cod fritters or Creole blood sausage would echo Martinique rum, creating a Caribbean harmony.

Tropical Fruit Desserts : An exotic fruit salad (mango, pineapple, passion fruit) would play on the resonance with the fruity notes of IPA and the tropical dimension of rum.

Caramelized desserts : A crème brûlée or a tarte tatin whose caramel echoes the notes brought by the rum barrel.

The final word

Rhum BA IPA will be remembered as one of those bold creations that transcended the boundaries between styles and traditions. By marrying the hoppy bitterness of an IPA with the vanilla warmth of AOC Martinique rum barrels, La Nébuleuse created a unique taste experience that demonstrates its technical mastery and openness to multiple influences. For those lucky enough to taste it during its brief appearance in 2018, it remains a tropical and hoppy memory , proof that in craft brewing, the most beautiful creations often arise from the audacity to combine the unexpected.

Cheers! 🍻

The recipe