Neisson L'Esprit, are you there ?
This is the story of an iconic vintage released one fine day in 2001, on the occasion of the platinum anniversary celebrated between the iconic Neisson distillery and sugar cane. Seventy years for seventy degrees. A flashback to the past with Claudine Neisson, Grégory Vernant, and Alex Bobi, who share their memories of Martinique's very first "brut de colonne" (creole column straight). All in sound and images.
70 Years, 70 Centiliters, 70 Degrees: 20 Years Ahead
Twenty-four years ago precisely, the Martinique distillery Neisson released a unique product long mocked by its competitors, but which nevertheless became so popular that it has become a near-obligatory release for most agricultural rhum producers today. While Neisson has historically offered two white rums (at 50 and 55%, and since 2007 the famous 52.5%), it wasn't until 2001 and their 70th anniversary that things really changed : while low-proof rums were in vogue, the distillery released a 70% "brut de colonne" white rum (AOC of course) , a distillate previously reserved for the initiated and never before marketed. The first bottles didn't yet bear the name L'Esprit and bore an imposing "70%" on the bottles, but its success prompted Neisson to permanently incorporate it into its catalog, giving it its original name in keeping with traditions.
Produced exclusively from La Thieubert cane in Le Carbet (blue and cristalline cane), undergoing neither reduction nor watering, L'Esprit white rum comes directly from their old Savalle column, specially adjusted for the occasion. After being rested in stainless steel vats for six months and then bottled, it has been organic since the end of 2016 and is now produced from red cane (B64), cannelle cane (B82.033), and zicak (B59), all harvested at the end of the season (and always on the La Thieubert plots).
The Spirit as told by its protagonists
We interviewed (apologies in advance for the poor audio quality; the phone was recording without a proper microphone) Claudine Neisson, Grégory Vernant, and Alex Bobi, all three of whom are behind the Spirit. From its genesis, anecdotes, and tasting tips, you'll learn everything about this essential white rum.
CLAUDINE NEISSON: "The Spirit, the Quintessence of Agricole Rhum"
Listen to the genesis of Martinique's most famous—and very first—brut de colonne. Claudine Neisson's favorite rum, l'Esprit transports her to a sugarcane field caressed by the trade winds. From the very first bottling (which wasn't yet called l'Esprit) to the current organic version, she tells us about her Esprit...
ALEX BOBI: "L'Esprit, and my first TV show"
Alex Bobi joined the Neisson distillery the year L'Esprit rum was created, having just been poached by Claudine. Its commercialization was synonymous with his first TV appearance (in Creole, please). In the excerpt below, he also explains the slight yellowish tint of the glass in the very first bottlings...
GREGORY VERNANT: "The Spirit, a Tribute to the Column"
Between homage and a snub to political correctness, Grégory Vernant explains his own Esprit. Guaranteed to be straightforward.
And what does your own Esprit have to say? Find L'Esprit rum on our website (if you can't find it in our freezer), but also directly at the Neisson distillery.
Long live L'Esprit, long live Neisson!
