Rivière du Mât Grande Réserve

Rivière du Mât Grande Réserve

Raw Material

• 100% Sugar Cane Molasses

Produced on Réunion Island, where the tropical climate accelerates maturation and creates exceptional richness and aromatic intensity.

Description

Rivière du Mât Grande Réserve is one of the flagship aged rums of the historic Distillerie Rivière du Mât, founded in 1886 on Réunion Island. Crafted from carefully selected traditional rums and matured in oak barrels under tropical conditions, this expression embodies the elegance and depth for which French island rums are renowned.

The extended ageing allows the rum to develop remarkable complexity while retaining balance and freshness. Rich, smooth and beautifully structured, Grande Réserve is a premium sipping rum designed for those who appreciate character and refinement.

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Deep amber with brilliant copper and mahogany reflections.

Nose
Rich and expressive aromas of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak and dried fruits, accompanied by notes of honey, cocoa and gentle spice.

Palate
Round and velvety with layers of caramelised sugar, vanilla, dried apricot, roasted nuts and oak spice. The tropical ageing contributes exceptional richness while maintaining elegance and balance.

Finish
Long, smooth and warming, with lingering notes of vanilla, toasted oak, dried fruit and soft spice.

Food Pairing

• Dark chocolate
• Crème brûlée
• Tarte Tatin
• Roasted almonds
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Fine cigars
• Digestif
• Enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube

Technical Information

• Category: Aged Traditional Rum
• Origin: Réunion Island, France
• Producer: Distillerie Rivière du Mât
• Range: Grande Réserve
• ABV: 40%
• Bottle Size: 70cl
• Ageing: Matured in French oak barrels under tropical conditions
• Serving Temperature: 18–20°C
• Cellaring Potential: Indefinite if unopened

Olivier's Thoughts

Grande Réserve sits in a wonderful position within the Rivière du Mât range. It offers noticeably more depth and maturity than younger expressions while remaining incredibly approachable. What I particularly enjoy is the balance between sweetness, oak and spice. The tropical ageing brings a richness that feels luxurious, yet the rum never becomes heavy or overpowering.

For whisky drinkers looking to explore premium rum, this is often the bottle I recommend first. The oak influence, dried fruit character and long finish make it familiar enough to feel comfortable, while still showcasing the distinctive personality of Réunion Island rum. Whether enjoyed after dinner or shared with friends, Grande Réserve consistently delivers a sophisticated and rewarding experience

Founded in 1886 on Réunion Island, Rivière du Mât is one of the oldest and most respected distilleries in the French overseas territories. Benefiting from the island's tropical climate and rich sugar cane heritage, the distillery produces rums renowned for their elegance, complexity and distinctive character.

From fresh and vibrant expressions to richly aged reserves, every bottle reflects over a century of craftsmanship and the unique terroir of Réunion Island. Today, Rivière du Mât remains one of the flagship names in French rum, combining tradition, innovation and exceptional quality.