Journey to Paradise Island
Reading time: 10 minutes
In the Indian Ocean, southeast of Africa, and east of Madagascar, lies the stunningly beautiful island of Mauritius. This pearl-shaped island encircled by coral reefs near the Tropic of Capricorn, is part of the Mascarene Islands. Known as Maurice in French, it has a subtropical and maritime climate with hot, wet summers and slightly cooler, drier winters. Geography lovers will find Mauritius is as good as it gets!
Mauritius is a blend of European, African, and Indian cultures. Despite its long history in sugar production, Mauritius rum is still an emerging region on the global rum scene. The Dutch introduced sugarcane in 1639 via Java, Indonesia. Mauritius was once called “Bourbon Island” by the French. In 2006, the Mauritius government lifted a ban on distilling sugarcane juice for rum, changing the market.
Today, there are 6 Mauritius rum distilleries and a similar number of non-distiller producer brands; some are open to visitors and others are export-focused. The island makes three distinct rum styles: molasses-based rum from historic distilleries, cane juice from modern producers, and Rhum arrangé/épicés (macerated fruit/spiced rum).
Our journey across the paradise island starts in the north, just inland from the beaches of Grand Baie. In one of the oldest villages on the island, Pamplemousses you can take in a sugar museum, taste some local rum, and wander around the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, and the 19th-century colonial mansion of Château de Labourdonnais.
For a unique local rum tasting experience try the Rum Tree House, a bar restaurant in the palm trees at Grand Gaube on the north coast. Enjoy sipping rum overlooking the triple-bay beaches and lagoon from a treehouse bar!
Distillerie De Labourdonnais
About 20 minutes drive from the capital Port Louis, in Mapou, Distillerie De Labourdonnais is part of the Domaine de Labourdonnais estate. It was founded in 1774 and produces an extensive range of cane juice rum and liqueurs for themselves and others. The premium range includes; XO vintage, Gentlemen (Limited Edition Single Cask), Amelia, 1774, and Lady Blue. Fruit from their orchard is macerate for their Infusion and Karo Kann range.
You can pre-book a guided tour, there’s a rum-tasting bar, restaurant, and gardens. The 18th-century Château de Labourdonnais is on the estate, a restored Victorian mansion. Visiting the botanical gardens, orchards, and museum, provides a glimpse into historical culture and a rum experience. You’ll see giant turtles and can shop for local produce while there. For a wow factor vacation experience, you can book a fine dining evening at La Table du Château inside the castle grounds.
The distillery is the source of a few brands, the latest being recently launched Star & Key Rum with a VSOP which won gold at The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2024.
Gold of Mauritius
The Gold of Mauritius brand by Litchquor Ltd was founded in 2012 by Frederic Bestel, CEO, and master blender. As an independent not attached to any of the distilleries, they select the best distillates from around the island to create their products. The Litchquor brands are Gold of Mauritius, Barrum, Beach Party, and Rom Club.
Rum from molasses using traditional methods, Gold of Mauritius Dark Rum was their first expression, and have since expanded the collection to four premium expressions; Gold of Mauritius Dark Rum, Black 48 Edition, 5 Solera Dark Rum, and 8 Solera Dark Rum.
The Gold of Mauritius’s motto is “Dreaming Mauritius,” inspired by the island’s beauty and culture, the rums reflect the authentic uniqueness of Mauritius and honour the island’s long tradition of rum-making. They have several international awards, and you can find their rum at stores and bars across the island.
Gray’s Distillery
Founded in 1931, Gray’s Distillery in Pamplemousses is one of the oldest active distilleries on the island. They make molasses and cane juice rum from 6,000 hectares of sugarcane in northern Mauritius. They use naturally filtered volcanic water and distill on both traditional pot stills and modern column stills for production. The 3 main brands are New Grove Rum, Lazy Dodo Rum, and Mauricia Rum. New Grove single estate rum presents a wide range of premium rum including white, aged, barrel finishes, and limited-edition cask strength expressions.
In 2016, Lazy Dodo rum was launched with its distinctive dodo glass bottle inspired by the extinct iconic bird of Mauritius. Lazy Dodo Rum plans to extend releases with older expressions. Mauricia is their first pure cane juice rum, and has become the most exported rum and they plan high ester and older aged releases.
The distillery is not open to the public, but next door is a fantastic visitor experience at L’Aventure du Sucre where you can immerse yourself in a museum history of Mauritius and sugarcane production. In the shop, you can try and buy the rum. Le Village Boutik is a foodie delicatessen where you can taste local gourmet foods and buy souvenirs. Also, in the heart of the Beau Plan estate is Le Fangourin restaurant which is a good spot for lunch or dinner. Beach House Spiced Rum, and Arcane Arrangé rums are also made at Gray’s distillery.
Anno 1743 Restaurant (above) in the Maritim Resort & Spa in Balaclava about 15 minutes north of Port Louis was an old distillery in the late 19th century and holds the largest rum collection on the island.
Central Mauritius
In Port Louis, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum opened in September 2023 and offers valuable insights into local history – it is well worth a visit. Just south of Port Louis, is International Distillers Mauritius, where Tilambic rum and Green Island rum are produced. These column-distilled molasses rums cater to the local market. This is a working distillery without a visitor experience, but you can try these rums at local bars or stores.
Oxenham Craft Distillery
The Oxenham Craft Distillery was launched in 2010 by the Oxenham Family and is the most recent and smallest Distillery. Located in the centre of the island, their vision is to create authentic Mauritian Rums. The distillery was the first in Mauritius to elaborate rum from both molasses and pure sugar cane juice.
They produce two key ranges in small batches, hybrid copper stills from a long fermentation process. The Bougainville range is molasses-based exclusively aged in old sherry casks; White, Gold, VS, VSOP, XO. The Oaks & Ames is cane juice rum in White, Gold, VSOP, and XO. The rums are available across the island at bars, stores, and restaurants like the Anno 1743 Restaurant pictured above.
Medine Distillery
Towards the coast and inland from the beach town of Flic en Flac, at Bambous is Medine Distillery. Established in 1926, it sits between mountains and the dazzling blue sea. The distillery is in the heart of a sugar plantation where they grow sugarcane. Distilled on column and pot stills, the rum is then filled into barrels.
This is where Penny Blue Rum, and Pink Pigeon Original Rum brands are made. Penny Blue rum is named after the Penny Blue stamp, a local legend when the postal service started in 1847. Pink Pigeon rum was created in 2010 and is flavoured with vanilla and spices. Chatel Punchs Rhums & Liqueurs are made here also. The Indian Ocean Rum Company, which operates the distillery, doesn’t offer visitor tours. You’ll find Penny Blue Rum, and Pink Pigeon Rum internationally, and perhaps their limited edition at the airport.
For one of the best rum cocktails on the island try Buddha Bar Beach (pictured above) at Sugar Beach Mauritius just south of Flic en Flac.
Rum St Aubin Distillery
Established in 2003, Rum St Aubin in Mauritius crafts single estate rums in the island’s south, near Rivière des Anguilles. Rum St Aubin focuses on fresh sugarcane juice rums. The harvest is from July to December, which is the best time to see the seasonal operations in action. Their 15 hectares of organic sugarcane create a distinct, terroir-driven spirit. Visitors are shown the cane-to-bottle journey, including fermentation, distillation, and ageing warehouse.
Rivière des Créoles Rum St Aubin
St Aubin is on ‘The Tea Route’, also known as La Route du Thé. These sugar estates and colonial houses are popular with visitors to stroll around and take its old worldly architecture. Le Domaine de Saint Aubin estate dating back to the 19th century has transformed into a restaurant that serves local and authentic cuisine with produce from the vegetable garden. On the grounds, you can see the gardens, and animals, and visit a vanilla plantation.
Close by is the Union Ducray Old Sugar Factory. Access might be denied, but it’s an eerie ambiance to see a dilapidated sugar cane factory. While on this rugged south coast, it’s worthwhile taking in Gris Gris Beach, or Pont Naturel for its natural beauty. Domaine de Saint Aubin is the closest distillery to the airport, 30 30-minute’ drive, so could be your first or last visit on your tour.
The Rum Shed Bar & Grill Restaurant at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa has over 250 rums to try – an ideal spot to taste and explore Mauritian Rum.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
Founded in 2000, Rhumerie de Chamarel in the southwest is the highest altitude in Mauritius. The distillery stands out with its red roofs and stone chimneys rising from the hillside. The drive there has scenic views of sugarcane and tropical fruit orchards. It’s a 45-minute drive through Black River Gorges National Park if arriving from St Aubin.
Producing cane juice rum, they use two varieties; yellow and red, best suited for its hilly terrain. The cane is hand-harvested and juiced quickly into nearby vats close to the fields before distillation.
Visitors can experience the entire process during harvest season, but enjoy a tasting year-round. The guided tour explains the rum-making process, from cane crushing to barrel ageing. The Chamarel range starts with Premium White Rum, then moves in ages from Gold aged with 18 months in French oak, XO aged for at least six years in French oak, and 8 years old in Cognac cask.
The Chamarel restaurant is a good spot for lunch with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Less than 10 minutes drive away is the famous natural wonder of the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, a geological formation with dunes showing seven distinct colours. And next to that is the stunning Chamarel Waterfall.
With a bounty of gorges, viewpoints, hiking trails, and Le Morne beach this area is not to be missed. Hiking Le Morne Brabant, the UNESCO World Heritage site has an interesting history as a former sanctuary for runaway slaves. Panoramic ocean views from the Le Morne Peninsula are world-famous for the offshore wonder of the underwater waterfall. Adventure seekers might want to climb the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire or take a helicopter ride to see the incredible views from the air.
Pro tip
Locally, the 20/Vin wine shops have a good selection of rum, as do local supermarkets. Additionally, the Go Duty-Free shop at the airport has an extensive collection of Mauritius rums, featuring both new releases and limited editions. Discover emerging brands like Emperor Private Collection Château Pape Clément or Beach Bum Rum, alongside independent bottlers like Holmes Cay Mauritius rum. If you’re not familiar with Mauritius rum, it’s French-influenced, so use Cognac terms on the bottle for example; VS, VSOP, and XO.
Last Thoughts
Mauritius for rum lovers is a paradise island, geographically and culturally diverse. With a strong Indian influence, check out local festivals like Diwali the five-day Festival of Lights from 1st November 2024.
Check tour timings and booking ahead is always a good idea.
Car rental is the best way to get around, giving you more freedom. However, you can take a daily taxi for local knowledge, which lets you taste the rums, or join an organised tour by a local tourist operator. Some sites like Château de Labourdonnais can be accessed by bus from Grand Baie.
if you wish to extend your rum adventure, you can take an hour’s flight to the island of Reunion, read our Rum Road Trip to Réunion
Thanks to all the rum producer contributions and recommendations.
Mauritius rum has come of age, quite literally the spirit in the bottle has matured with grace, now is a good time to explore these rums and their beautiful country.
May this inspire a rum-filled adventure to Mauritius, the enchanting paradise island. Please share your experience on our socials
And, you’ll find further reading on Mauritius Tourism
Start planning your trip with our Mauritius Rum Map
Image credits to producers, Canva Pro and user contributions.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn