A Journey to the Heart of the Distilleries

Every year, around 100,000 visitors tour Réunion’s distilleries to discover rum, one of the island’s most iconic and exported products.

To promote this heritage and support the industry, La Réunion des Rhums, a century-old association of producers and distillers, is organizing the very first Alambik Festival, a cultural and tourist event dedicated to rum and local spirits. The organizers plan to hold the festival annually or biennially.

According to Teddy Boyer, President of the association, the festival highlights a local heritage: Réunion rum, in all its traditions and expertise. The idea stemmed from a shared observation: while mainland regions celebrate their local spirits—cognac, champagne, armagnac—Réunion Island hosted no similar event, notes Émilie Marty, Secretary General of the association.

The event offers an immersive experience in the diversity and excellence of local products, which have won national and international awards, while also highlighting the economic importance of the industry. For Cyril Isautier, head of Maison Isautier, it’s also about strengthening local pride: “The industry creates value, jobs, and pride, driven by passionate people.”

The festival has two main components. On December 5th and 6th, four distilleries—Isautier, Savanna, Rivière du Mât, and Payet & Rivière—will open their doors for guided tours, masterclasses, cocktail workshops, and oxcart rides. A single ticket price of €7 grants access to all sites. A new addition, the “From Field to Cellar” tour, created with influencer Willy Cochard, offers a half-day exploration of two distilleries, including transportation, for €22.

Meanwhile, from December 4th to 7th, around thirty partner bars, hotels, and restaurants are offering special menus, rum pairings, and signature cocktails, each establishment partnered with a local brand. A contest offers the chance to win a helicopter tour or a guided excursion with Culture Réunion Tours, accessible via QR code.

The organizers emphasize responsible consumption: those under 18, even when accompanied, are not permitted to serve alcohol. Prevention messages are displayed at all partner venues and locations.