Grays Distillery distillery

Introduction to Grays Distillery

A distillery with a passion for craft

Grays Distillery is a Mauritian rum distillery that beautifully balances traditional craftsmanship with tropical innovation. Located on the idyllic island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, this historic establishment has become synonymous with quality rum production in a setting where sugarcane thrives under optimal conditions.

The distillery harnesses the island’s perfect climate, rich volcanic soil, and abundant sugarcane to create spirits that capture the essence of their tropical terroir.

Why we have a soft spot for Grays Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that honor their heritage while embracing innovation – Grays Distillery embodies this perfectly. What makes Grays stand out is their commitment to locally-sourced sugarcane and traditional distillation methods that have been refined over generations.

Their approach to aging in a tropical climate, where maturation happens faster and differently than in cooler regions, creates rum profiles that are distinctively rich yet elegant.

The History of Grays Distillery

Origin and development

Grays Distillery traces its roots back to 1931, when it was established by Harel Frères on Mauritius. The distillery emerged during a time when the island’s sugar industry was flourishing, creating a natural opportunity to transform molasses – a byproduct of sugar production – into quality rum.

Over decades, the operation evolved from a small production facility into one of the island’s premier rum producers, gaining recognition well beyond Mauritian shores for its distinctive style.

The people behind it

Today, Grays Distillery operates under the umbrella of Terra Group (formerly Harel Frères), with a team of dedicated master distillers who combine generational knowledge with contemporary techniques. Their collective expertise ensures that each batch maintains the signature character that has defined Grays rum for nearly a century.

The distillery team takes pride in preserving traditional methods while implementing sustainable practices that respect both the product and the island environment that nurtures it.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Grays begins with locally harvested sugarcane, grown in Mauritius’ fertile volcanic soil. The distillery primarily works with molasses, the rich byproduct of sugar production, which forms the base for their traditional rum offerings.

Distillation takes place in a combination of column stills for their lighter rums and pot stills for their more robust expressions, allowing for a diverse portfolio of products that range from crisp white rums to complex aged varieties.

Maturation and aging

Aging occurs in a variety of oak casks, including ex-bourbon barrels and French oak, where the tropical climate of Mauritius accelerates the maturation process. This results in rums that develop remarkable complexity in a fraction of the time it would take in cooler climates.

The high humidity and temperature fluctuations create a unique interaction between the spirit and the wood, yielding expressions with pronounced notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and spice with a distinctive island character.

Selected Products from Grays Distillery

New Grove Silver – An introduction to the house style

This white rum serves as an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s approach. Clean and vibrant with subtle notes of sugarcane, vanilla, and tropical fruits, it offers a smooth mouthfeel that makes it equally enjoyable neat or as the foundation for classic cocktails.

The Silver expression showcases the purity of Mauritian rum production while maintaining an accessible profile for both newcomers and experienced rum enthusiasts.

New Grove Old Tradition – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression from the distillery, this aged rum presents a deeper exploration of what tropical aging can achieve. Expect rich notes of caramelized fruits, oak spice, and a hint of island botanicals, all wrapped in a velvety texture that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

With its balanced sweetness and sophisticated complexity, Old Tradition represents the pinnacle of Grays’ craftsmanship and appeals to those who appreciate nuanced sipping rums.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Grays Distillery welcomes visitors to experience firsthand the journey from cane to glass. Guided tours take you through the production facilities, allowing you to witness traditional rum-making techniques in a stunning tropical setting.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-6 expressions from their portfolio, offering a comprehensive understanding of the different styles and aging processes that define Mauritian rum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grays Distillery?

Grays Distillery is a rum producer located in Mauritius that specializes in creating traditional and premium rums using locally sourced sugarcane. Their approach combines time-honored distillation methods with the unique advantages of tropical aging to create distinctive island expressions.

Where is Grays Distillery located?

The distillery is situated on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. This location provides ideal conditions for both sugarcane cultivation and rum production, with the tropical climate imparting unique characteristics to their spirits.

What characterizes Grays Distillery?

Grays Distillery is particularly known for its tropical aging process, traditional production methods, and the pure expression of Mauritian terroir in their rums. Their products range from clean, crisp white rums to complex aged expressions that showcase the accelerated maturation possible in a tropical environment.

Where can I buy rum from Grays Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Grays Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – including their core range and limited releases – to provide you with access to these exceptional Mauritian rums.