Bar Au Rhum Vieux is a specialist rum bar on Boulevard Jubelin in central Cayenne, French Guiana, dedicated to aged and infused rhums from across the French Caribbean. The bar's name states its organising principle directly: rhum vieux — aged rum — is the central focus of a back-bar holding one of the most extensive selections of aged agricole rums and rhums arrangés available anywhere in the territory. Bottles from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion, and local Guyanese distilleries are represented, with some expressions difficult to find outside the overseas territories. The crowd is composed primarily of rum enthusiasts, curious locals, and travellers who have sought the bar out specifically through hotel recommendations or word of mouth between guesthouses. The atmosphere is measured and conversational — the bar is sized to encourage dialogue rather than dancing, and the focus is firmly on what is in the glass. Dress code is entirely casual throughout the week; the age range skews slightly older on weeknights while broadening to a wider mix on Saturday evenings. Aged rhums are available by the glass, enabling visitors to compare styles, distilleries, and vintages side by side in a single sitting. Rhums arrangés — rum steeped over weeks with local botanicals including vanilla, genipap, hot pepper, passion fruit, and cinnamon — represent the most distinctly Guyanese element of the menu and merit specific exploration. Ti' punch and more elaborate rum cocktails are made to order; basic beers and soft drinks are available for those not committed to the rum programme. Opening hours run Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00, making the bar an equally valid lunch-hour destination for a single glass and a quiet conversation as it is a late-evening session venue. No cover charge applies at any time, and the €4–€9 price range reflects both affordable house pours and a modest premium for rarer aged bottlings. For anyone with a genuine interest in French Caribbean rum culture, Bar Au Rhum Vieux is the most focused and authentic point of exploration in French Guiana.
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 11:00–23:00
- Signature
- Extensive collection of aged rhums and rhums arrangés from across the French Caribbean
Location
Boulevard Jubelin, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana
4.9225, -52.3256 View on map
Highlights
- One of French Guiana's most extensive selections of aged agricole rhums from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion
- Rhums arrangés infused with local botanicals — vanilla, genipap, hot pepper, and passion fruit
- Specialist rum bar atmosphere centred on tasting and conversation rather than dancing or socialising
- Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 — equally suited to a midday tasting or an evening session
- Aged rhums available by the glass for side-by-side comparison of distilleries and vintages
Tips for visiting
- Ask staff for a guided tasting of two or three rhums arrangés before committing to a larger pour; the range varies by season.
- Mid-afternoon on a weekday offers the quietest atmosphere for a focused rum exploration.
- Aged Martinique AOC rhums — particularly VSOP and XO expressions — represent the most refined end of the selection.
- No cover charge applies; a single glass of an entry-level aged rhum starts at around €4.
- The bar is closed on Sundays; last service is at 23:00 on all other evenings.
Frequently asked questions
What types of rum does Bar Au Rhum Vieux specialise in?
The bar focuses on aged agricole rhums (rhum vieux) from the French Caribbean — primarily Martinique and Guadeloupe AOC expressions — alongside rhums arrangés infused with local fruits, spices, and botanicals. Guyanese and Réunion bottles are also represented.
Can visitors taste rhums by the glass rather than buying bottles?
Yes. Aged rhums and rhums arrangés are available by the glass throughout service, making it possible to compare multiple styles or distilleries in one session. Ti' punch and mixed rum cocktails are also made to order.
What are the opening hours?
The bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00. It is closed on Sundays.
Is Bar Au Rhum Vieux suitable for someone unfamiliar with rum?
Yes. The bar's focus on tasting and conversation makes it accessible to newcomers. Staff are accustomed to guiding visitors through the selection, and the rhums arrangés — fruit-infused rums — are a good entry point for those not used to drinking straight aged spirits.