The Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery
Chamarel is a small village located in the southwest of Mauritius. Despite its size, this place is a true pearl of the island and one of the best travel tours on Mauritius. First of all, Chamarel lies in a bountiful valley surrounded by magnificent mountains. Secondly, it is situated on the "Coloured Earths of Chamarel" which is one of the main Mauritian attractions: soil here as if it were divided on the wide orange, yellow and purple stripes. The view seems unreal: nowhere else you can see such an incredible palette. Chamarel waterfall rumbling nearby adds freshness to this exotic and pastoral image. Add vast emerald sugarcane plantations, pineapples and Rhumerie – that’s Chamarel as it is!
Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery was built in 2008 by Franco-Mauritian family who owns the plantations. The family spirit of comfort and coziness can be felt in the factory and a restaurant.
It is hard to believe, but rum production from sugarcane was banned in Mauritius not so long time ago. Locals made it from molasses and that affected on the taste and quality of the rum. When the government slackened the law, it was a rum revolution. Nowadays rum of the Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery is considered the best of the island due to its delicate aroma and rich flavour.
Warm humid Mauritian climate makes perfect conditions for sugarcane growth. Freshly-harvested plants are hand-picked daily at dawn, and then transferred to the mills of the rum distillery. The technology used on the distillery is eco-friendly and makes no waste: everything is recycled and utilized for the second time.
Rum-making process is extremely enthralling sight that discovers every step of the production. Such Mauritius excursions are not only entertaining but informative and educational.
However, the culmination and the highlight of the tour is a rum tasting. A sample selection of the spirits is offered to the guests of the distillery’s guided tour both on the rock and in cocktails.
After the tasting, one can purchase a bottle of rum he liked the most in the Sugar Cane Spirit Shop. Typical Mauritian crafts, jewels and clothes are also sold here.
Got hungry? Try exquisite dishes of local cuisine in L’Alchimiste restaurant. This lovely place surrounded by divine tropical flora may equally feast your eyes as well as your stomach. We recommend you to try palm heart or dishes featuring deer and wild pig enhancing the taste with a glass of fine wine.
Call (230) 696 6000 to sign up for "The Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery" excursion
