Rhum HSE

The Habitation of Saint Etienne was modelled after “La Maugée,” a sugar refinery covering over 400 hectares from Gros Morne to Saint Joseph in the early 19th century. The architectural structure, including the master’s house overlooking the distillery and the old workers’ quarters, reflects a typical farm in Martinique.

In 1882, Saint Etienne was purchased by Amédée Aubéry, a young captain of industry who became one of the most famous figures in the economy of Martinique.

In 1909, the property came into the possession of the Simonnet family who developed the distillery activity until its decline at the end of the 1980s. The estate was taken over in 1994 by Yves and José Hayot, who relaunched the Saint Etienne brand and began restoring and enhancing the sugar estate’s architectural heritage.

The distillery, henceforth registered in the Additional Inventory of French Historic Monuments, is one of the only-remaining and therefore most precious examples of the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of industrial architecture from the end of the 19th century in Martinique. Its renovation is nearing completion.

HSE gives all its nobility to ageing. For at least three years, the rum rests in different casks, including bourbon, cognac, sherry, and whiskey, where it slowly acquires more intense, complex perfumes.