FOVE Academy

Acerum: The Quebec Spirit That Distills Maple

Born from the union of maple syrup tradition and the art of distillation, Acerum is more than just a spirit: it’s Quebec in a bottle.

Discover how FOVE transforms maple sap into a noble and authentic eau-de-vie, a symbol of a unique terroir.

What is Acerum?

Quebec’s Acerum is a spirit made exclusively from maple sap or syrup, fermented and distilled with no added flavors.
Its aromatic profile varies depending on the yeast used, the distillation method, and aging, ranging from floral and fruity notes to woody and vanilla nuances.

Since April 2025, Acerum has held the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status—a first for a Canadian spirit. This official recognition anchors the product in Quebec’s maple heritage and highlights the quality and precision of its producers.

At FOVE Distillery, we are proud to be pioneers in this movement, driven by a desire to reveal the full aromatic richness of maple through distillation.

The Steps of Acerum Production

1. Harvesting the Maple Sap

It all begins in spring. When nights are still cold and days are warmer, sap rises in the maple trees.
This clear, sweet water, carefully collected, becomes the base for all maple syrup… and for every batch of Acerum.

2. Fermentation: the Heart of Flavor

Maple syrup is diluted, then mixed with yeast and nutrients.
For about four days, the yeast transforms sugars into alcohol and complex aromas.
Often overlooked in conventional production, fermentation is the most decisive step in shaping the final flavor profile.
At FOVE, it is carefully managed to reveal the unique character of each batch.

3. Distillation: Revealing the Essence of Maple

The “maple wine” from fermentation is slowly distilled in a copper still.
Two successive distillations extract and refine the aromas:

  • The first, called the strip run, separates the raw alcohol from the rest.

  • The second, the spirit run, isolates the heart of the distillation—the noble part of the spirit.

This pure, balanced, and aromatic heart becomes Acerum, a delicate eau-de-vie expressing the full richness of maple.

4. Aging: The Meeting of Wood and Time

Depending on the desired style, Acerum can be bottled immediately (White Acerum) or aged in oak barrels (Amber or Aged Acerum).
Contact with the wood softens the spirit, adds complexity, and develops notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices.
Each barrel acts as a microcosm, influencing texture, color, and personality.

5. Finishing: The Purest Expression of Maple

Before bottling, Acerum is simply adjusted with demineralized water to reach its final strength.
No other substances are added—ensuring a noble spirit faithful to its origin.

FOVE’s Three Expressions of Acerum

  • FOVE White Acerum: floral, fresh, and fruity—perfect neat or in a cocktail.

  • FOVE Amber Acerum: aged in bourbon and rum barrels, with vanilla and pastry aromas.

  • FOVE 2-Year Acerum: an exceptional, woody, and complex vintage, aged in Jamaican rum and rye whiskey barrels.

Each expression tells a different story of maple, from the purest to the most mature.

Discover and Taste Acerum

FOVE Acerum can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Its aromatic richness lends itself to tasting as well as creative mixology.
For original ideas, explore our cocktail recipes and inspirations at fove.co.

From sap to bottle, Acerum embodies the meeting of craftsmanship and Quebec nature—a savoring experience, one sip at a time.