Habitation5 Distilleriea1710 Lefrancois MartiniqueHabitation5 Distilleriea1710 Lefrancois Martinique
©Habitation5 Distilleriea1710 Lefrancois Martinique|MDES
Discovery toursDistillery A1710Know-how & heritage

Visit the A1710 Distillery

Today I decided to continue my itinerary on the road to Martiniquerums by going to Distillerie A1710 at Habitation du Simon in Le François, on the Atlantic coast. An artisanal distillery inaugurated in 2016 that’s well worth discovering for its methods, its spirit and, of course, the quality of its agricultural rums! Whether you’re on vacation or live in Martinique, this visit is a fascinating immersion into the tradition and heart of rum

L'Habitation du Simon

colonial architecture

A small group of holidaymakers and islanders have signed up for this morning’s guided tour, and I’m going to follow the group to discover the site and the various stages in the manufacture of A1710 rums.

A little history …

Our guide begins by describing the particular history of the distillery. The site was used to produce cane sugar between the 18th and mid-19th centuries. In 2006, the owner embarked on a bold and exciting project: the creation of a new rum distillery, something that had not been done for decades. The takeover of Habitation du Simon, his passion for Martinique and the expertise of an entire team enabled him to bring this project to fruition.

Renovations brought the historic buildings back to life, and the rum distillery was installed in the former 18th century sugar mill. Ten years later, the distillery was inaugurated. The main house, restored and redecorated with great taste and elegance, is now open to the public.

Distillation at the Alambic

“Belle Aline

&

“Douce Alice

As we cross the garden, our guide talks about the special features of the A1710 distillery: artisanal agricultural rum, hand-cutting, distillation in alembics all year round… We pass the “Maison des Amis” (Friends’ House) – which hosts the “Séjour Rhumier”, which Déborah will tell me about later – before entering the distillery.

This is where the cane juice ferments for 4-5 days, before being poured into and heated in the two Charentais copper stills “Belle Aline” – whose 1000 L will yield 150 L of the precious nectar – and ” Douce Alice “. The distillers show us the whole process in a very educational way, answering all our questions.  

   I find it fascinating to see the first brut de distillat rum being born and poured!

The new winery

We continue our visit to the new winery, inaugurated in February 2024. Its location between the sea and the mountains ensures a thermal amplitude conducive to ageing and barrel work. Cellar master Cédric Paviot welcomes us. He tells us all about the different barrels, the reduction process, the settling time, the moment when he senses that the rum is ready to be bottled… His explanations are clear and fascinating… It’s captivating!

Cutting cane by hand

We then pass by the sugar cane fields, in particular the one next to the house: the organic cane plot for Perle Rare white rum, planted with blue and red cane of extraordinary flavor. The estate’s other plots feature a dozen varieties of sugar cane. The cane is cut by hand, the old-fashioned way. The cane cutter explains that with only 2 cutting points, the cane oxidizes less quickly, giving a “clean” cane, ready to be ground by the mill.

Bottling

We now head for the workshop, where Nadine shows us how A1710 rums are dressed. When the filled and corked bottle arrives in her hands, she takes the flask, dips the neck in colored wax (today it’s gold!), and dexterously turns it. Next comes the label, the lace onto which she threads the little booklet before making 2 turns and 2 knots, and off she goes! The bottle is ready to be placed in its box. What skill!

A1710 rums

The tasting

As the tour draws to a close, we return to the house, where we are offered a lovely tasting session. It takes place in the living room of the main house or in the park, in the shade of the flamboyant trees, with a view over the islets of Le François. A magical experience! Our hostess tells us a thousand anecdotes about each cuvée. I discover one of their delicious white rums: “Bête à feu“. The group separates, arms laden with precious bottles purchased at the boutique, delighted with the visit.

I linger a while with Déborah, as I know the distillery offers other tours and special events, and I’d like to know more…

White rums

  • Diamond Rock
  • Bête À Feu
  • La Perle
  • La Perle Rare Bio
  • La Perle Brute
  • Renaissance

Rhums Reposés Sous Bois

  • Cheval Bondieu

Très Vieux Rhums

  • Délivrande
  • Soleil De Minuit
  • Nuée Ardente

Take part in A1710 Experiments

The Rum Making Stay

An immersive 4-day stay with the A1710 rums team, where your group (max 6 people) stays at the house or villa La Coulée d’or and takes part in one of the distillery’s activities each morning: cutting the cane, discovering the estate and working in the cellar, distilling and dressing the bottles, tasting with the cellar master. The afternoon is free to relax in the house, stroll in the park, visit the surrounding area… As a gift, you’ll leave with your own personalized bottles of white rum, unforgettable souvenirs of a unique experience.

The Cellar Master’s Tasting Workshop

Spend a morning in the company of cellar master Cédric Paviot, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of rum, observing all the stages in its production.

The Extraordinary Day

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., immerse yourself in the heart of the distillery’s activities, with a new activity every hour covering every stage in the rum-making process.

Night Distillations

At the end of the day, a nocturnal distillation and tasting of A1710 rums with musical accompaniment, in the enchanting setting of the house and its illuminated gardens.

Open Days

On special occasions, such as the launch of a new cuvée, the distillery opens its doors to the public on Sundays, free of charge.

These events are announced on the A1710 social networks and on the Martinique Tour calendar.

   A visit to the A1710 distillery is a not-to-be-missed step on the itinerary of spirit tourism in Martinique! A domain sublime in its beauty, a team passionate and proud of its rums, from the manager to the cane cutter. The tours are very interesting. Thank you Déborah, and above all, thank you to all the men and women who make this young company such a success.

We' d like you to do it for us!

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, and should be consumed in moderation.

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