Travel the Route du Rhum in the east of Reunion Island

There is no need to go to the Emerald Coast to follow the Route du Rhum! The eastern routes will take you to two of the three rum factories on the island. These will reveal to you all the stages of manufacturing this alcohol, which has forged the history of Reunion Island. A true institution, rum comes from the exploitation of sugar cane. And to discover all its secrets, go to the two distilleries in the East: Savanna and Rivière du Mât.

It was in the XNUMXth century, when Reunion Island was still called Bourbon Island, that the first stills appeared. at the time it was called arrack. This name is still used today.

Réunion rum benefits from a Designation of Controlled Origin (AOC) since 1996, which guarantees that the rum is produced according to strict standards specific to this region. Producers must meet a number of criteria, including the variety of cane used, distillation and aging methods, and alcohol content.

Réunion rums are known for their rich and intense taste, with notes of vanilla, caramel, spices and tropical fruits. They are often used to make cocktails and punches, but can also be enjoyed on their own or with ice cubes.

There are several brands of Réunion rum, the best known of which are Charrette, Isautier, Savanna and Rivière du Mât.

Little story

In the XNUMXth century Napoleon divided production between Isle de France (today Mauritius) and Bourbon Island. The first rum and sugar and for Isle Bourbon coffee and spices.
Finally the English conquered Isle Bourbon, 3 years later the French recovered it but lost Isle de France at the same time.

This was the starting point for the cultivation of sugar cane and therefore sugar, then Réunion rum.

The fast-paced history of Reunion Rum

In the middle of the 10th century, Crimean War, so customs duty abolished for rum (for soldiers). 40 years later, Bournon Island had XNUMX distilleries. With that a problem related to the overconsumption of rum. Hurricanes, disease and lack of labor have hampered rum production.

It was during this period that in Reunion, the search for the quality of rum began.

1st World War, Reunionese rum is requisitioned, serving as a drink but also as medicine for the troops. At that time, there were 31 distilleries on the island. at the end of the Second World War, Reunion Island had more than 14 distilleries.

Distilleries in eastern Reunion

Put on closed shoes, comfortable clothing and let's go! Head east with a first stop at Saint-André then direction Chemin Beaufonds in St-Benoît.

The Savanna Distillery in Saint-André

Rum lovers or just the curious, the Savanna distillery opens its doors to you all year round. This will introduce you to the production of great rums, fermentation processes and the mysteries of aging. Steps such as bottling and labeling are also revealed. The visit ends with a tasting at the Tafia & Galabé boutique, which houses a lovely range of rums with exceptional flavors, to be consumed in moderation of course.

Note that the visit to the Savanna distillery can be combined with that of the Bois Rouge sugar refinery during the sugar campaign, which runs from July to December. These two sites are grouped together within the Bois Rouge Factory.

Useful information
Reservation at 02 62 58 59 74
Price: 8,50 euros

The Rivière du Mât Distillery in Saint-Benoît

It is one of the oldest distilleries on the island still in operation since 1886.. Recently, this XNUMXth century vestige has been the subject of conservation work. So it’s a chance to be able to set foot there. Through a guided tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the island's Grands Rhums and what makes them unique. You will be surprised to see how this old distillery remains a pioneer in terms of sustainable development. Indeed, Rivière du Mât is committed to an approach environmentally friendly, for example by adopting a biological treatment process and valorization of distillation residues.

The guided tour concludes with a tasting of the House's greatest medal-winning vintages. In addition to being able to appreciate the taste of this local know-how, you will have the opportunity to leave with bottles. On site, it is in fact possible to buy from the Rum Cellar, which houses white, amber and spiced rums, arranged rums and very old traditional rums. Enough to allow you to find your happiness!

At the Rivière du Mât Distillery, don’t miss the Beaufonds chimney, listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments in Reunion. Symbolizing a page in the history of the sugar industry, it was restored in 2021. Before its renovation, a Ficus took up residence at the top of this chimney. Its specificity: the tree develops its roots from top to bottom. The tree had therefore transformed the chimney into a pot at a dizzying height and planted its roots within it, thus damaging the building. Now saved, the old lady made of basalt rubble represents a source of pride for the former workers but also for the entire town.

Useful information

Three paid guided tours per day by appointment.
Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 14:30 p.m. and 16:30 p.m.
Reservation required (minimum 24 hours in advance):
• by telephone at +262 262 52 15 11
• by e-mail: [email protected]
Minor under 18 years old: free
Adult: 8 €

In addition there are other brands as follows:

• Isautier
• cart
• Chatel

The dangers of alcohol

Rum is an alcoholic beverage and, like any alcoholic beverage, excessive consumption can pose health and safety risks to the individual and others.

Here are some potential dangers associated with excessive rum consumption:

1. Dependence: Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence, which can affect a person's physical and mental health.
2. Health problems: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause health problems such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, increased risk of cancer, among others. others.
3. Risk of accidents: The consumption of rum can impair coordination, concentration and the ability to judge, thus increasing the risk of car accidents or other accidents.
4. Risk of risky behaviors: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to impulsive and risky behavior, such as drunk driving, making dangerous decisions, or having unprotected sex.

It is important to remember that the consumption of rum and other alcoholic beverages should be consumed in moderation, and excessive consumption can have serious health and safety consequences. People who choose to drink alcohol should do so with responsibility and caution, and know when to stop.