Off the coast of South Africa lies Reunion Island, which too is the home of Isautier Distillery, so named after brothers Louis and Charles Isautier who founded the distillery in 1845, marking it as the island's first industrial scale distillery. The Isautier family would helm the distillery for the next six generations, producing both agricultural rums and molasses-based rums, and also having achieved recognition for their flavoured rums.

To mark Isautier's 180th Anniversary, the distillery is producing a special 18 Year Old cuvee from the 2006 vintage that has been aged in a single French oak barrel selected by cellar master Marie Ferrand.

“To honor 180 years of history, I selected one of the oldest rums in our cellar. These 18 years in barrels have allowed this agricultural rum to develop notes of chocolate, leather, and waxed wood, which only time can create. Bottling this barrel today means passing on the tradition, richness, and wisdom of Maison Isautier through this exceptional rum.” says Marie Ferrand.

The 180th Anniversary 2006 Vintage 18 Years Old cuvee comes in a Mendiant carpet inspired aesthetic, taking inspiration from the stitch work's pattern and process in conveying a work of memory made up of fragments patiently sewn together.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma: An initial vegetal nose with notes of exotic fruits. Upon aeration, the bouquet enriches, revealing aromas of waxed wood, spices, chocolate, leather and cigar.

Taste: The attack is complex, combining vegetal nuances with caramelized and gourmet touches.

Finish: A long and intense persistence, dominated by notes of leather and
chocolate, which prolongs the experience.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team