Rum from Mauritius: a perfume of paradise

Mauritian rum is an integral part of the history and culture of Mauritius

 

Rum, an alcohol that evokes paradisiacal islands and pirates!

Rum production in Mauritius is not very old. To compare, the first traces of rum are found in a manuscript of one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Nearque, which dates back to 327 BC. The production of rum in Mauritius dates back to the 19th century. At that time, distilleries boomed out, around 40 for an island of 2000km², which is really a lot!
Nowadays, there are only 16 active distilleries. Quality has given way to quantity, as this aromatic rum is more than well exported: Export sales have increased by almost 200% since 2010!

Pure rum: sugar cane, distillery and know-how

Rum is produced in two ways: by fermentation and distillation of pure sugar cane juice or by distillation of the residue of the sugar cane (molasses). The result is agricole rum or traditional rum. These two types of rum are produced in Mauritius, as is the famous “rum arrangé” made from one or the other.
Rum is a serious matter, we talk about rum like wine: note, depth, tonality, nose, mouth, ageing…. It is stored in barrels, a cellar master takes care of the ageing and blending to obtain prestigious vintages. 

Taste the arranged rum of Mauritius

Arranged rum is made from pure white rum. Everyone has their own recipe and there are many different opinions on which rum to use to get the best rum arrangé possible. Some swear by traditional rum, others by agricultural rum. 
The recipe is simple: white rum and spices, bark and fruit are in the same bottle and fall in love with each other over many months. The result is a wonderfully fragrant rum that needs nothing else to taste good. You can find spice packets in shops or at the market in Port-Louis and make your own arranged rum when you return home.

Rum can also be used to make punch in Mauritius! 

Creoles prepare it quickly for special occasions, at the last minute with white rum, fruit juices, syrup and a whole battalion of spices. It’s impossible to organise an event without a big bowl of punch, it’s the soul of the party!

The best thing you can do in Mauritius to immerse yourself in this tradition is to visit a rum distillery and taste different types of rum, in very small quantities and in moderation, of course.

Give taste to travel!

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