Isautier : Alfred 12 Ans

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Alfred 12 Years Old Isautier

Tasting

Colour
An amber colour with copper glints, testament to prolonged ageing under the tropical climate of La Réunion.

Nose
The first nose reveals superb notes of exotic fruits, sandalwood, blond tobacco, dried fruits and candied citrus. On aeration, bright woody aromas of fruity tannins emerge, accompanied by various varieties of pepper and resinous, medicinal nuances. It then evolves towards purer notes of toasted oak and marmalade, ranging from quince to blood orange.

Palate
The attack offers subtly woody and caramelised sensations, enhanced by roasted walnuts coated in molasses. A mineral thread unfolds with touches of charcoal, black coffee and chestnuts roasted over a wood fire, underscored by a coppery, metallic sensation with a distinctly iodised character. The acidity and bitterness of blood orange balance out against vibrant fresh fruit. The texture is round and silky, enriched with subtle notes of cocoa. The remarkably long finish oscillates between copper, bitter orange, blueberry and discreet hints of tar, lingering on candied fruits, precious woods, bitter cocoa and acacia spices.

Food Pairings and Tasting Moments
This complex spirit is ideally suited to contemplative tasting, as a digestif. It pairs perfectly with dark chocolate desserts, particularly a chocolate fondant, whose intensity will match the bitterness of the cocoa and the minerality of the rum. Its vanilla and citrus notes will also elevate a crème brûlée. For the more adventurous, it can accompany grilled or roasted meats prepared with spices.

Mixology
Given its remarkable aromatic complexity and exceptional status, this rum is best enjoyed neat, without embellishment, to fully appreciate all its sensory nuances.

Other Characteristics
This rum stands out for the renowned "Isautier Touch", a unique iodised and saline signature derived from the absorption of minerals from the island's volcanic soils and the maritime influence of sea spray from the Indian Ocean during ageing.

An Amber Aged Rum from La Réunion of Great Complexity, Marked by the Elegance and Volcanic Imprint of the Maison Isautier

The Estate
Founded in 1845 by brothers Louis and Charles in Saint-Pierre, the Isautier House is the oldest distillery still in operation on the island. This flagship of La Réunion Rum draws on an exceptional volcanic terroir and a unique maritime influence to forge its identity. Historically propelled onto the international stage by Antoinette Isautier, then modernised in 1910 by Alfred Isautier through the introduction of distillation columns, the distillery today masters the production of both agricultural and traditional rums. With nearly 180 years of history and expertise recognised by numerous international medals, the family-run company cultivates excellence and authenticity. Today, the estate is led by Jérôme Isautier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and representative of the seventh generation, who will hand over the reins to Cyril Isautier in July 2026.

The Spirit
The Alfred 12 Years Old Aged Amber Rum is a vibrant tribute to Alfred Isautier, the visionary figure who modernised the distillery in the early twentieth century and created the brand's iconic triangular bottle. This traditional rum is crafted exclusively from molasses derived from the island's sugar cane.

Column-distilled in 2005, this spirit underwent twelve years of tropical ageing, a process accelerated by the hot, humid climate that fosters an intense interaction between the distillate and the wood. The maturation process, overseen by cellar master Marie Ferrand, begins with eight to fourteen months in new French oak barrels. The rum is then transferred into fine-grained seasoned casks that have already held other rums from the house, allowing for gentle oxygenation and the development of great complexity without masking the character of the distillate.

Bottled at 45% alcohol, a level carefully chosen to preserve the balance between aromatic power and the delicacy of the wood, the Alfred 12 Years Old is presented in an elegant 70-centilitre decanter within a case. Its elongated lines evoke the brand's famous historic triangular bottle. This exceptional product was notably awarded a Silver Medal at the International Spirit Challenge in 2025, confirming its must-have status among enthusiasts and collectors.