Holmes Cay Reunion Island Grand Arome Rum
Holmes Cay Reunion Island Grand Arome Rum is an unaged, high-ester "grand arôme" rhum from the Distillerie de Savanna on Réunion Island — the French department in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar — distilled on Savanna's Savalle copper column still from molasses after a ten-day fermentation. Bottled at 57.5% ABV (115 proof) in 750mL with no sugar, no color and no flavoring added, it is a pure, funky, full-strength expression of the grand arôme style. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 57.5% (115 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: unaged grand arôme (high-ester) rhum — molasses-based
- Distillation: Savalle copper column still, Distillerie de Savanna, Réunion Island
- Fermentation: ten days (long fermentation = high ester development)
- Additives: none — no sugar, color or flavoring; bottled in New York State
Grand Arôme: Rum's High-Ester Frontier
"Grand arôme" is the connoisseur's corner of the rum world — high-ester rhums prized for their explosive, funky aromatics, born of long fermentations and traditional distillation. Holmes Cay, the independent bottler founded by Eric Kaye and imported by Skurnik, built its Single Origin series on exactly this: additive-free rums from great distilleries, bottled as-is. This Réunion release is unaged, so what you taste is pure distillate character — the ten-day fermentation and Savalle column doing all the work. A must-try for ester heads and a revelation for everyone else. Discover more rum or the Holmes Cay range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the distillery's sell sheet, this is a high-ester style — expect concentrated tropical fruit and funky, overripe aromatics at full 115-proof intensity, with a clean molasses backbone underneath. No published critic notes were found for this expression; the bottle speaks for itself.
How to Enjoy
A few drops of water open the esters dramatically — try it neat first, then diluted. A tiny pour transforms a Daiquiri or Mai Tai into something wild; handle with respect at 115 proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "grand arôme" mean?
"Great aroma" — the traditional French term for high-ester rums, where long fermentations create intensely aromatic, funky spirits.
Is this rum aged?
No — it is bottled unaged, so the flavor is pure distillate character with no oak influence.
Where is Réunion Island?
A French department in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar — home of the historic Distillerie de Savanna.
Unaged, uncut attitude from Réunion — order Holmes Cay Reunion Island Grand Arome Rum online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.