Rivière du Mât Distillery

The Rivière du Mât Distillery is one of the last artisanal distilleries still operating in Réunion. Located in the coastal plain of Saint-Benoît on the island's eastern shore, it produces agricultural rum from locally grown sugarcane. A visit allows you to understand the entire production cycle, from cane cutting through bottling, set amid the lush landscape typical of Réunion's coastline.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Access: by car from Saint-Benoît along the road running beside the Rivière du Mât; parking on site.
• Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours for the guided tour and tasting.
• Attire: closed-toe shoes recommended for visiting the production facilities.
• Production season: the distillery operates during the sugarcane harvest (typically July through December); outside this period, vats are visible but inactive.

What You'll See

The tour covers the various stages of agricultural rum production: sugarcane pressing, fermentation of vesou (fresh cane juice), column distillation, and barrel aging. The cellars house barrels of aged rum, some with years of maturation behind them. A tasting room allows you to compare white rum, amber rum, and aged rum produced on-site.

History and Context

Sugarcane cultivation has shaped Réunion's economy since the 18th century. The eastern coast, with greater rainfall, historically concentrated much of the production. The Rivière du Mât, descending from the island's highlands, historically supplied the water needed for operations. The distillery continues a tradition of agricultural rum distinct from industrial rum made from molasses, valuing fresh cane juice.

Highlights of the Visit

Column Distillation

During harvest season, you can observe the distillation column in operation. The aroma of heated cane and the steam rising into the air make the visit particularly engaging. Your guide explains the different fractions obtained and the distiller's selection criteria.

The Aging Cellars

The atmosphere of the cellars—cool and filled with the aroma of rum slowly evaporating (the "angel's share")—contrasts with the heat outside. Stacked oak barrels and vintages chalked on wood give a tangible sense of the patience required to produce aged rum.

Guided Tasting

At the end of the tour, a guided tasting helps you distinguish aromatic profiles according to aging levels. Réunion's white agricultural rum, enjoyed in a ti-punch, differs noticeably from its Martinique or Guadeloupe equivalents.

Photography Tips

Morning light is favorable for photographing the surrounding sugarcane fields before coastal mist rises. Inside the cellars, light is subdued: a fast lens or high ISO sensitivity yields better results. The stainless steel vats and barrels offer interesting textural contrasts. Ask permission before photographing workers.

Location and Access

The distillery is located in the municipality of Saint-Benoît on Réunion's eastern coast, near the Rivière du Mât. National road RN2 runs alongside this area; from Saint-Denis, allow approximately one hour's drive. From Saint-Pierre (south), access via the highlands (RN3) or the eastern coast is possible. Public transport serves Saint-Benoît, but the distillery requires a vehicle or taxi from there. The site is accessible by car; inquire on-site about accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.

Nearby Attractions

• Niagara Waterfall — accessible from Saint-Benoît, ideal for a morning outing.
• Saint-Benoît Beach — the town's seafront for a break after your visit.
• Bélouve Forest — tamarind forest in the highlands above Saint-Benoît, accessible by car for hiking among the clouds.
• Grand Étang — crater lake surrounded by tropical forest, a few kilometers into the highlands.