Dillon
Dillon is a renowned rhum agricole producer in Martinique, with roots at Habitation Dillon dating back to 1779. Operating under the AOC Martinique appellation, Dillon is celebrated for its authentic agricultural rums crafted from freshly pressed sugar cane juice and traditional techniques.
Production starts in the cane fields of Basse-Pointe and around Fort-de-France, where several local sugar cane varieties are cultivated for their distinctive flavors. The cane is promptly crushed using a historic steam-engine mill to ensure maximum freshness. The resulting juice is fermented and then distilled in a Creole column still (referred to as “traditionnelle” in the AOC context), preserving vibrant vegetal, grassy, and fruity notes.
Dillon offers both white agricole rhums and aged (vieux) rhums. Among its notable expressions:
Blanc Agricole (various strengths: ~40°, 50–55° ABV) — unaged or lightly rested; robust cane flavors and freshness, ideal for Ti-Punch, cocktails, or enjoyed neat by those who appreciate the raw agricole character.
VO (Vieux) — aged a minimum of about 3 years in oak barrels; develops notes of oak, vanilla, wood, spice, and a warming character.
VSOP / Très Vieux / XO — longer-aged variants with more profound oak influence, dried fruits, and greater complexity.
Tasting notes often feature fresh cane, vegetal, and grassy elements, as well as tropical fruits like banana, pineapple, and coconut (especially in blancs). Aged expressions reveal more oak, vanilla, roasted or toasted wood, spice, hints of caramel, or dried fruit. Some also detect herbal or saline nuances.
Dillon also emphasizes authenticity, terroir, and sustainable craft practices. AOC certification guarantees that sugar cane is cultivated in Martinique and distilled from fresh cane juice locally, with respect for natural cycles and environmental sustainability throughout the production process.
