89: From Rhum Agricole to Traditionnel at Réunion Island's Isautier Distillery

At long last, we speak to our first rum producer from Réunion Island! In this episode, we welcomed Marie Ferrand (Cellar Master) and Yann Auberval (Director of Marketing) to take us inside Isautier Distillery's traditions of both cane juice and molasses-based rums. We discuss:The differences between the rhum agricoles of the Caribbean and RéunionWhy Isautier has long focused on both rhum agricole and rhum traditionnel (molasses-based rum)The approach to aging that contributes to the rum's unique profileHow the recent partnership with La Maison & Velier came aboutThe differences between the LM&V bottlings and Isautier's typical releasesMarie's philosophy on rum blendingA walkthrough of their production process (and some experiments they're currently working on)The story behind Rhum Charrette — the best-selling rum on Réunion that features distillate from all of the island's distilleriesAnd much more!You can learn more about Isautier on their website: https://www.isautier.com/en/This episode is sponsored by independent bottler Raising Glasses. To check out (and order) their latest releases, visit their website.P.S. Did you know you can support The Rumcast on Patreon now and get bonus episodes, happy hours, and more? You can! Head to patreon.com/therumcast to check it out.