The HSE Distillery

Discover Martinique's rum at the HSE rum factory

The Habitation Saint-Étienne is located in the heart of Martinique, in the commune of Gros-Morne. This distillery is a must for your trip! In the middle of sugar cane fields, this authentic property offers tourists the opportunity to discover one of the best rums of the island of flowers.

Located in a typical Martinique house, the rum distillery welcomes you in a beautifully restored setting.

On the program: visit of the site and tasting of the agricultural rums of the HSE brand, several times medalist at the Concours Général Agricole! Moreover, aficionados will find in the adjacent shop the complete collection of HSE rum.

History of the Habitation Saint-Etienne

Located on an estate of more than 400 ha, the property is originally a sugar factory dating from the early XIXᵉ century. Bought in 1882 by Amédée Aubéry, the company was transformed into a distillery with modern and avant-garde infrastructures.

Indeed, this young industrialist immediately had a railway installed on the site.

The objective: to have the sugar cane transported by draught animals. Below, the river Lézarde provides hydraulic energy thanks to a system of canals running through the garden, which is now a listed historic monument. The façades of cellar 7, with its arched arches emblematic of the property,also date from this period and still ensure optimal ventilation of our cellars, which are essential to the quality of our rums.

In the XXᵉ century, it was the Simonnet family's turn to acquire the Habitation Saint-Etienne. They developed the business for almost a century before its decline in the early 1980s. The history of the distillery continues thanks to José Hayot who bought the property in 1994. This was done with the aim of restoring and rehabilitating the built and historical heritage and rejuvenating the brand. The architectural ensemble, typical of the Martinique industrial era, is now listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques.

The Habitation Saint-Étienne again enjoys a solid reputation. However, during your visit, it will not be possible to see any machines in operation. The company has relocated production to the Simon distillery in Le François. More than 4 million litres of HSE rum are produced there every year!

Visit of the HSE rum factory

Lovers of spiritourism will appreciate the various experiences offered on the property. Outside of the guided tour hours, you can stroll through the lush gardens. You can admire more than 180 species of plants ! The park of the Habitation Saint-Étienne has been awarded the " Remarkable Garden" label and is in itself an unforgettable excursion.

The shop, a former ageing cellar, now hosts cultural and artistic exhibitions. Photography, painting and sculpture are honoured in this space dedicated to art and live performance. Finally, the tasting of HSE rums is certainly the highlight of your visit.

Advised by your guide, taste the rums of your choice from the vast range offered by the brand. White, old, amber, world finish or vintage rums... HSE products are renowned for their exceptional quality. For an even more original taste experience, let yourself be tempted by "gourmet pairings". HSE offers rum and chocolate tasting workshops and guided tours upon reservation.

What is the best HSE rum?

It's all a matter of taste, but it's certainly the "world's finishes" that give the brand its originality. Aged in whisky or port casks, they give off complex woody and spicy aromas that delight connoisseurs.