The artisan distillery project led by the Reunion-based Isautier family has finally come to life with the release of its first agricole rum, Bérive. This project, valued at over 4 million euros, represents a major investment in the production of a unique spirit. The name Bérive, meaning "where the wind blows" in Malagasy, reflects the location of the distillery in the extreme south of Reunion, at a few hundred meters altitude. This area is known for its strong winds and holds special significance for the Isautier family, who have been connected to the region for over 100 years. The production of Bérive begins with sugarcane, with 8.5 hectares of the 300 hectares owned by the family converted to organic agriculture. The R577 variety, known as "mauve des hauts," is used for its high sugar content and ease of fermentation. Jérémie Savin, the farm manager, explains that this variety offers a sugar content ranging from 17 to 24 degrees Brix, is robust enough for the local climate, and has few fibers, which makes it easier to extract fermentable sugars. Special attention has been given to the fermentation process, with the goal of using only yeasts sourced from the Bérive area. In partnership with the University of Reunion, the team conducted 14 sampling campaigns on a wide variety of plants, including sugarcane, fruit trees, bamboo, and candlewood. This process resulted in 2,495 yeast colonies being isolated, with 251 candidates identified and 65 strains finally selected. These strains are used for both fermenting sugars and producing unique aromas. The distillation process uses a Müller still, a hybrid tool that combines a column still and a reflux still, allowing for alcohol concentrations ranging from 65% to 89%. Depending on the characteristics of the raw materials, Jérémie Savin and Marie Ferrand, the cellar master, choose different distillation methods. The final agricole rum is aged for nearly a year in stainless steel tanks to develop complexity. For this first campaign, 3,090 liters of pure alcohol were produced, with 12% (equivalent to 1,000 bottles) designated for white rum, and the rest placed into 10 barrels. Marie Ferrand has not ruled out the possibility of releasing some of these volumes as brown rum in the future, although the main focus remains on producing aged rum. The first release of Bérive is described as a real success, with cane notes of remarkable precision and an aromatic profile featuring floral notes, exotic fruits, and a unique evocation of undergrowth. On the palate, citrus and spicy touches accompany a beautiful sweetness, with a precise and straightforward texture that lingers long. The bottle design, inspired by an old Isautier bottle from 1870, features a unique shape with rounded shoulders and a relief symbolizing sugarcane and bamboo. A wind rose on the cork recalls the decor of the house's floor, emphasizing the unique connection of this agricole rum to its terroir. The rum is available in metropolitan France starting March 2027 at 60 euros.