Neisson
Neisson is one of Martinique’s last truly independent, family-owned distilleries, founded in 1931 by the Neisson brothers, who came from a merchant family and acquired the historic Habitation Thieubert near Le Carbet. Over generations, Neisson has become a beacon of artisanal excellence, recognized for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the authentic spirit of rhum agricole.
As one of the last wholly family-run producers on Martinique, Neisson crafts authentic rhum agricole under the strict standards of the AOC Martinique designation, using only fresh sugar cane juice—never molasses—as its base. This dedication to purity and tradition distinguishes Neisson from most Caribbean rum producers.
Neisson farms its own cane, cultivating several varieties—notably blue cane (R69.566) and red cane—across carefully selected parcels near Carbet and Thieubert. The unique terroir, characterized by volcanic soil, elevation, and a coastal tropical climate, imbues the cane—and the resulting rum—with remarkable freshness, minerality, and layered complexity.
Distillation is performed in a custom-built Savalle copper column still, uniquely modified and selected by Neisson to suit their style. The distillery honors purity at every step: cane is crushed within hours of harvest, fermentation employs both cultivated and wild yeasts for aromatic complexity, and aging is managed with utmost care. All bottling is done on site to preserve integrity from field to bottle.
Neisson’s diverse portfolio includes both classic and innovative expressions:
Blanc Agricole / Unaged Whites: Signature bottlings, like Neisson Blanc (50–52.5% ABV and higher), are renowned for their intensity, freshness, and expressive cane character. Aficionados especially prize high-proof releases for their bold, aromatic profiles.
Organic / Bio Whites & Profiles: Neisson is a pioneer in organic farming among Caribbean distilleries, with expressions such as Organic Profile 105 Bio exemplifying a commitment to sustainability and terroir-driven purity.
Élevé Sous Bois / Lightly Aged: These rums spend a brief period in oak vats or casks, lending subtle wood notes and softness while preserving the vibrant, grassy character of fresh agricole rum.
Profile Series / Distinct Barrel Toasting: The celebrated Profile range (e.g., 105, 107, 62) explores the influence of new oak barrels and specific toasting levels on both white and lightly aged agricoles. Each “profile” number reflects a unique barrel treatment, offering rum enthusiasts a nuanced exploration of the impact of wood on flavor.
Aged / Vieux & Special Editions: Neisson’s aged offerings include XO-style blends, vintage-dated releases, single casks, and collectible small batches—each demonstrating the distillery’s mastery of long-term maturation and its ability to produce agricole rums of remarkable depth and finesse.
Tasting profile: Neisson whites dazzle with notes of fresh sugar cane, grass, citrus, mint, and subtle floral or herbal nuances—delivering a crisp, lively palate. Aged and Profile expressions show layers of vanilla, toasted oak, pepper, wood smoke, dried fruits, and, in older or higher-proof versions, touches of coffee, chocolate, and exotic spice. Across the range, the hallmark is vibrant agricole character married to finesse and complexity.
Neisson stands out for its cutting-edge barrel profile experiments (notably with Profile 105, which employs new American oak and proprietary toasting regimens), leadership in organic agriculture, and a philosophy of limited, meticulously managed production. This approach ensures every bottle embodies both the spirit of Martinique and Neisson’s relentless pursuit of quality.
