Isautier
Maison Isautier stands as the oldest operational rum distillery on Réunion Island, founded in 1845 by brothers Louis and Charles Isautier. Nestled in Saint-Pierre, the distillery has stayed family-run for over 175 years, honoring its rich heritage while continuously pioneering new techniques and flavors. Today, Isautier is recognized as a benchmark of quality and creativity in the Indian Ocean rum world.
The Isautier portfolio is exceptionally diverse. It includes white (“blanc”) rums, gold and aged (“vieux”) rums, traditional molasses rums, and agricole styles made from fresh cane juice. Their celebrated rhum arrangé range—rums macerated with island fruits and spices—captures the spirit and bounty of Réunion, while their liqueurs and punches reflect a tradition of conviviality and innovation.
The production process includes:
All Isautier rums begin with sugar cane cultivated on Réunion itself. The island’s mineral-rich volcanic soils, abundant sunshine, and coastal breezes impart a distinct terroir that sets Isautier apart from other rum producers globally.
Fermentation: Fresh cane juice undergoes a relatively long fermentation of about 35 hours, preserving delicate, aromatic notes. Molasses-based rums ferment for around 22 hours, developing deeper, richer flavors. The careful management of different fermentation times allows Isautier to craft both vibrant agricole and robust traditional expressions.
Distillation: Isautier employs continuous column stills—an innovative approach in the mid-19th century—to distill both molasses-based and cane juice-based rums. This method yields a spirit that is pure, expressive, and able to showcase the nuances of both raw materials.
Aging: After distillation, Isautier rums are matured in new French oak barrels for the first 24 months, imparting structure and spice. They are then transferred to ex-cognac or ex-rum barrels, where they develop further depth and complexity. Select expressions benefit from finishing in unique casks—such as port, sherry, or even local wine barrels—creating limited editions that highlight the mastery of Isautier’s cellar team.
Isautier’s rum flavour profile: Isautier rums are celebrated for their fresh, fruity, and floral character, often accented by a subtle marine or ocean-spray note—a hallmark of Réunion’s coastal maturation. Aged expressions display layers of oak, spice, vanilla, dried fruit, and hints of tropical florals, with a lingering, elegant finish. The rhum arrangé range bursts with the flavors and aromas of fresh pineapple, mango, ginger, vanilla, or local citron, each expression offering a vibrant, aromatic journey. Beyond distillation, Isautier is a steward of Réunion’s rum heritage.
The family operates “La Saga du Rhum,” an immersive museum on their Saint-Pierre estate, inviting visitors to explore the history of rum on the island, from cane cultivation to distillation and aging. The museum also celebrates Réunion’s vibrant culture and the Isautier family’s pioneering role in its development.
