The name of the product, Bardinet’s logo and their old advertising posters are really what draws the eye. Negrita according to the Dictionary.com is: “n. A blackish fish (Hypoplectrus nigricans), of the Sea-bass family. It is a native of the West Indies and Florida”. Although in this case I think we can be certain that the name actually means ‘little negro woman’.

The term and branding are politically insensitive to say the least especially as the spirit comes from Martinique. This country was built on the back of the slave trade and saw racially charged labour strife well into the 20th century despite the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Admittedly the posters and labels are more curious, than shocking to a modern audience, but that Bardinet have been unwavering with their branding for most of their 150 years deifies belief.

The product itself is an agricole rhum – made from sugar cane juice as opposed to molasses – as is the Martinique way.