A1710 distillery

Introduction to A1710

A distillery with passion for craft

A1710 is a premium rum distillery located in Martinique, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern finesse. The distillery has built a reputation for delivering exceptional spirits that honor the rich rum-making heritage of the French Caribbean – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and terroir.

Nestled amid sugarcane fields on the historic Habitation du Simon estate, A1710 represents a renaissance of authentic agricultural rum production that celebrates both innovation and tradition.

Why we have a soft spot for A1710

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly unique – both in flavor and identity. A1710 stands out by producing exceptional rhum agricole from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, embracing single-cask expressions, and maintaining complete control over their production process from field to bottle.

Their commitment to expressing the terroir of Martinique through meticulous distillation techniques results in rums with remarkable complexity and character that we’re proud to showcase.

The story behind A1710

Origin and development

A1710 was established in 2016 at the historic Habitation du Simon in Martinique. The project began with a vision to revive artisanal rum production methods while honoring the island’s rich distilling heritage that dates back to 1710 – hence the distillery’s name.

Founded by Yves and José Hayot, the distillery represents a return to authentic rhum agricole production methods. In just a few years, A1710 has garnered significant attention and acclaim from rum enthusiasts worldwide for their commitment to quality and tradition.

The people behind

The distillery is run by a passionate team led by the Hayot family, with Master Distiller Ludwig Vanneste at the helm of production. Their collective expertise bridges centuries of rum-making tradition with modern innovation.

Each decision at A1710 reflects their dedication to producing rum that speaks authentically of Martinique’s terroir. Their philosophy encompasses not just rum production but environmental stewardship and preservation of cultural heritage.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Production at A1710 begins with carefully selected sugarcane varieties grown on the estate. Unlike most global rum production, A1710 creates rhum agricole – distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, capturing the pure essence of the plant.

Distillation takes place in their distinctive copper creole still – a design that pays homage to traditional Caribbean distillation methods. This approach results in a spirit with greater complexity and a pronounced terroir character that industrial methods cannot achieve.

Maturation and aging

Aging occurs in carefully selected oak barrels, including ex-bourbon casks, French oak, and various wine casks. The tropical climate of Martinique accelerates the aging process, creating complex flavor development in a shorter time than would be possible in cooler climates.

Many of A1710’s releases are single cask expressions, offering rum enthusiasts a truly unique experience with each bottle. Their approach to aging embraces both tradition and experimentation, resulting in a diverse portfolio of exceptional rums.

Selected products from A1710

La Perle Rare – An introduction to the house style

This white rhum agricole exemplifies the distillery’s commitment to purity and terroir. With notes of fresh sugarcane, tropical fruits, and subtle floral elements, it provides an exceptional introduction to the distinctive character of A1710’s spirits.

The vibrant, grassy profile with a silky mouthfeel makes it a favorite among both newcomers to agricultural rum and experienced enthusiasts seeking authentic expressions.

La Perle Rare Vintage – An experience for connoisseurs

These aged expressions represent A1710’s premium offerings, often presented at cask strength and with minimal intervention. Expect complex profiles featuring tropical fruit, oak spice, and subtle vanilla, complemented by the unique minerality that characterizes Martinique’s finest rums.

Each vintage variation captures a specific time and place, making them highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate rum as a fine art form.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

A1710 offers guided tours that bring visitors into the heart of their rum-making process – from cane field to glass. The experience typically includes a walkthrough of the historic estate, an explanation of their unique distillation approach, and insights into the aging process.

The tasting sessions following tours usually include 3-5 expressions that showcase the breadth of A1710’s portfolio, from unaged agricultural rum to their most prestigious aged offerings.

Frequently asked questions

What is A1710?

A1710 is a rum distillery located in Martinique that produces exceptional rhum agricole with a focus on tradition, terroir, and artisanal production methods. Their approach combines historical Caribbean distillation techniques with modern precision to create distinctive spirits that showcase the authentic character of Martinique.

Where is A1710 located?

The distillery is situated at Habitation du Simon in the commune of François, Martinique, in the French Caribbean. The location’s rich volcanic soil, tropical climate, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean all contribute to the unique character found in their rums.

What characterizes A1710?

A1710 is particularly known for producing authentic rhum agricole from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, their use of traditional creole column stills, and their commitment to single cask expressions. Each bottle reflects their philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the terroir of Martinique to shine through.

Where can I buy rum from A1710?

You’ll find selected bottles from A1710 at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the finest expressions – from their core range to limited single cask releases – ensuring you have access to these exceptional rums that represent the pinnacle of Martinique’s distilling heritage.