Neisson Rhum Agricole

Artisanal Martinique rhum agricole made from estate-grown Red Cane. Slow fermentation and single Creole column distillation yield crisp, grassy rum with citrus, tropical fruit and spice.

Neisson Rhum Agricole

Neisson is one of Martinique’s most respected rhum agricole producers and the smallest distillery operating under the Martinique AOC. Founded in 1931 by brothers Adrien and Jean Neisson in the coastal village of Le Carbet, the distillery remains family-owned and is now run by Grégory Vernant, grandson of the founder.

While Martinique is home to several historic rhum houses, Neisson has earned a distinctive reputation through its small production scale, estate agriculture, and precise distillation. Among rum enthusiasts, the distillery is often cited as one of the clearest expressions of traditional agricole style.

Location & Terroir

The distillery sits on the north-west coast of Martinique, at the base of Mount Pelée, an active volcano whose eruptions have shaped the island’s soils. These volcanic soils, combined with maritime winds and high tropical humidity, create favourable conditions for sugar cane cultivation.

Neisson cultivates cane on nearby slopes, with particular emphasis on Red Cane varietals (Canne Rouge) known for their aromatic intensity. Because rhum agricole is distilled directly from fresh cane juice rather than molasses, the agricultural stage plays a defining role in the final spirit.

Fermentation & Distillation

After harvesting, the cane is crushed quickly to preserve freshness, and the juice begins fermentation within hours. Neisson is known for conducting relatively slow fermentations, encouraging the development of complex aromas before distillation.

Distillation takes place on a traditional Creole column still, the style required under the Martinique AOC regulations. Neisson operates a single column still, producing a fine and aromatic distillate that emphasises freshness and clarity. Reduction is carried out using volcanic spring water, contributing to the rhum’s crisp mineral character.

Maturation

Alongside its celebrated white rhums, Neisson produces a range of aged expressions matured in ex-bourbon barrels and French oak casks.

Key expressions include:

  • Neisson Blanc 52.5% – a benchmark unaged agricole rhum
  • Elevé Sous Bois / VO – lightly aged rhums showing early oak influence
  • VSOP – deeper maturation with vanilla, spice, and tropical fruit notes
  • Vintage releases – limited bottlings from individual distillation years

The tropical climate of Martinique accelerates ageing, allowing rhums to develop structure and complexity within relatively short maturation periods.

House Style

Neisson’s style is widely recognised for its precision and aromatic purity. Typical characteristics include fresh cane, citrus oils, herbs, and tropical fruit in the blanc rhums, while aged expressions develop vanilla, spice, and soft oak structure.

Because of its careful agricultural practices and small production scale, Neisson is often regarded as one of the most expressive examples of Martinique’s agricole tradition.

To learn more about the wider style, visit our Rhum Agricole page or explore Martinique Rhum.

Discover Neisson at Casa de Vinos

Casa de Vinos is the exclusive importer of Neisson in Australia. Discover the range online or experience these rhums by the glass at the Casa de Vinos Lounge in South Melbourne.

Casa de Vinos is the exclusive importer of Neisson in Australia. We work with retailers, venues and trade partners looking to build a more focused rhum agricole range. If you are interested in listing Neisson, you can apply via our wholesale application or contact wholesale@casadevinos.com.au.

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