Story of a distillery, story of a dream
In 2006, Yves de Pompignan embarked on a bold and exciting project: the creation of a new rum distillery embodying the history and richness of the Antilles terroir.
The acquisition of the Habitation du Simon, his deep-rooted affection for Martinique, and the expertise of an entire team enabled him to create a brand of rum that meets the highest standards of excellence, combining tradition and innovation.
From dream to reality
Ageing cellar
In 2010, the project was launched and the selection of the finest aged rums for our blends began. A laboratory and an ageing cellar equipped with a tun (a large capacity wooden barrel) originally used to mature Cognac were installed at the Habitation du Simon. Our first selections, aged between 6 and 11 years at the time, were returned for maturation in our 320-litre French oak barrels.
Innovative distillation
Meanwhile, our commitment to finding an innovative, qualitative, and traditional distillation solution led us to select a Charente copper still, fitted with a seven-plate column. Fermenting vats with controlled temperature and allowing long periods of fermentation were selected to produce wines with strong aromatic potential.
Passion and patience.
Administrative procedures, long and tedious, culminated on December 31, 2015, with the authorization to open the first distillery in Martinique in decades, dedicated to the production of Rhum Agricole.
Construction of the rum distillery began in a former 18th-century sugar purgery located at the heart of the estate. The Main House was also renovated to welcome our visitors in an outstanding setting for exclusive tours and tastings.
After 10 years of learning and envisioning,
the brand new A1710 distillery is finally inaugurated at Habitation du Simon.
The adventure goes on.
In 2023, in its quest for constant innovation, the A 1710 distillery team is taking up the challenge of putting a second still into operation.
An almost identical copy of the first still installed in 2015.
Custom-built and just assembled on site, this all-copper alembic promises to push even further the quest for aromatic excellence and quality in A 1710 rums.
Based on the same principle as the Belle Aline, the now Douce Alice is made from a Charentais alembic coupled with a Creole column.
The vin de canne will therefore continue its ritual of double distillation. The possibilities for innovation and blending are endless.
