HSE • Habitation Saint-Etienne
HSE (Habitation Saint-Étienne) is a Martinique rhum agricole producer with deep historical roots. The estate, originally called “La Maugée,” was acquired in 1882 by Amédée Aubéry. It later passed to the Simonnet family, who were in decline, until it was revived in 1994 by Yves and José Hayot.
Located in Gros-Morne, with distillation taking place at Le Simon in Martinique, HSE operates as both an agricultural estate and a distillery. The brand combines the use of fresh sugar cane juice (pur jus de canne), adherence to the Martinique AOC rhum agricole standard, and a blend of tradition and innovation.
Production includes white rum (Rhums blanc) and aged rum (Rhums vieux, Extra vieux, VSOP, XO), special editions (“World Cask Finishes,” “Millésimes,” “Experts Cask,” etc.). Aging takes place in various casks, including bourbon, cognac, sherry, whiskey, and more unusual finishes (such as whiskey casks and port wine).
Tasting and flavor profiles vary by expression:
White Agricole (approximately 40–55% ABV): Intense sugar cane freshness, floral and grassy herbaceous notes, white pepper, citrus, ripe fruit.
Aged / Vieux / XO / Special finishes: richer wood influence, vanilla, dried/fruity notes (fig, prune, citrus peel), toasted oak, spices (pepper, nutmeg), possible influence from sherry or port finishes. Long, layered finish with tobacco, sandalwood, and sometimes notes of tobacco or cocoa in older expressions.
HSE also prides itself on its architectural & heritage value: the Habitation Saint-Étienne farm & distillery features historic buildings (in the style of a 19th-century sugar refinery), an ancient aqueduct, and is classified as a historic monument, among other notable features.
