Rhum Dieu-le-Veut is first and foremost a desire to share with fans the countless facets that rum offers. The expression of a desire for simplicity, to “enjoy” with rums with a strong identity and which attract attention. Select, mature and bottle rums that convey pleasure and authenticity, reflecting know-how, terroir and tradition. This could sum up the philosophy that drives the Rhum Dieu-le-Veut collection.
The brand takes its name from Anne Dieu-le-Veut, a French buccaneer who lived between the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. Born in Gourin in Brittany on August 28, 1661, she left her native lands at barely 20 years old to embrace a new life in Haiti. In 1684, she married the filibuster Pierre Lelong, then first commander of Cap Français. As was often the case at the time, the lives of traveling souls were short and intense; and for Anne Dieu-le-Veut, the events follow one another. In 1690, Pierre Lelong died in a brawl in Haiti. In 1691, the widow remarried Joseph Chérel, who in turn died in troubled circumstances in 1693. That same year, a rumor reached the ears of the filibuster, a rumor according to which a Dutch privateer, Laurent-Corneille Baldran known as Laurent de Graaf, allegedly insulted her late second husband. Wounded in her pride, Anne Dieu-le-Veut “visits” him, gun in hand, and challenges him to a duel in order to clear her honor. The corsair, amazed by the widow's courage, falls under her spell and asks for her hand. Request to which the French woman accedes!
Together, they practiced piracy for two years between Turtle Island (off the coast of Santo Domingo) and Jamaica on behalf of the French crown. Breaking one of the taboos of the time which prohibited any woman from boarding a ship on the pretext that it brought bad luck, Anne Dieu-le-Veut became an integral part of the crew. But in 1695, the adventure ended abruptly when she was captured by Spanish soldiers during the Anglo-Spanish invasion of Santo Domingo. She was detained for 3 years with her daughter Marie-Catherine de Graaf and proved to be a difficult captive. It was only after numerous steps and negotiations that France managed to have her released in 1698. The documents attesting to her release constitute the last official mention of her name. She died on January 11, 1710 at the age of 48 in Cap Français. His daughter Marie-Catherine, a worthy heiress, will go down in the history books for having also challenged a man to a duel.
This chaotic but panache-filled journey made us want to highlight this colorful and little-known personality and make him the face of our collection.
