Isautier : Apollonie

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Apollonie Isautier Rum

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic profile first reveals indulgent pastry notes, dominated by butter and refined sugar. With aeration, generous tropical fruit aromas emerge, notably banana and pineapple, before giving way to nuanced, complex woody notes derived from its long ageing.

Palate
The attack offers beautiful textural roundness and remarkable volume on the palate. The initial sweetness gradually evolves towards pronounced spice. The tropical fruit continues on the palate, accompanied by distinct flavours of freshly cut sugar cane. The alcohol, powerful yet perfectly integrated, brings a pleasant warmth without any harshness. The finish is exceptionally persistent, ending on elegant notes of cane juice and exotic wood.

Pairings and Tasting Moments

The distillery recommends pairing this spirit with artisanal, soft-ripened cheeses, whose richness is perfectly balanced by the sweetness and vanilla notes of the rum. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon or rich dark chocolate desserts. For an optimal experience, serve it between 18 and 22°C in a tulip-shaped glass, neat or with a minimal amount of ice. It is highly recommended to let it breathe for 3 to 5 minutes before the first sip to release its full aromatic complexity.

Mixology

Although primarily designed to be enjoyed neat, this exceptional rum can also be incorporated into sophisticated cocktails. In such cases, it is recommended to use it as an accent ingredient to elevate creations where the spirit remains the centre of attention, thereby showcasing its aromatic profile without masking it.

Other Characteristics

This spirit stands out for its extended ageing in French oak barrels that previously held Cognac. These barrels are specifically selected for their fine grain, allowing for a gentle extraction of tannins and a harmonious integration of woody compounds.

A Réunion Agricultural Rum of Great Complexity and Rare Elegance

Isautier: The Historic Excellence of Rhum de La Réunion

Founded in 1845 by brothers Louis and Charles, the Isautier house is the island's oldest family-owned distillery, embodying nearly 180 years of uninterrupted heritage. A pioneer in the production of Rhum de La Réunion, it stands out for its exceptional technical mastery, simultaneously producing agricultural rums from pure cane juice and traditional molasses rums. Based in Saint-Pierre, the distillery benefits from a unique volcanic terroir and a tropical maritime climate that give its creations an incomparable minerality and aromatic complexity. Now led by Jérôme Isautier, who will hand over the role of CEO to Cyril Isautier in July 2026, the company continues its family governance spanning seven generations. Driven by its spirit of innovation, the house continues its international expansion while preserving its centuries-old traditions.

Apollonie: The Masterful Expression of Terroir and Family Heritage

Rhum Apollonie pays vibrant tribute to Apollonie Isautier, a historic matriarchal figure who considerably developed the family business and its international reach in the 19th century, following the death of her husband Louis. Conceived as the distillery's most prestigious agricultural expression, this spirit demonstrates absolute mastery of production, from the selection of raw materials through to the final blend.

Made from pure sugar cane juice (vesou) sourced from the rich volcanic terroir of Réunion, this rum benefits from rapid fermentation and continuous column distillation, preserving all the volatility and richness of its aromas. Although the range offers several variations, the 2023 limited edition stands out as an exceptional amber rum. This blend is the result of a meticulous assembly of agricultural rums aged between 10 and 15 years.

Ageing takes place under a tropical climate in French oak barrels. The cellar master, Marie Ferrand, rigorously assesses the evolution of each barrel to ensure impeccable quality before blending. Bottled at 58%, this edition enjoys undeniable international recognition, crowned by numerous distinctions, including a gold medal at the 2025 Concours Général Agricole, confirming its status as an essential reference among prestige spirits produced in Réunion.