Damoiseau Distillery is located in Bellevue, in the municipality of Le Moule, on the east coast of Guadeloupe. It is today the only distillery still in operation on Grande-Terre and the island's leading rum producer, with nearly 50% of the Guadeloupean market and a presence in more than 40 countries.

Why visit Damoiseau Distillery

Damoiseau produces over 8 million liters of rum per year, making it Guadeloupe's leading producer. The house spans three generations of production and offers a range recognized internationally: its Virgin Cane Rhum Agricole Blanc won a gold medal in 2017 in the category of agricultural white rums under 50%, and its XO Rhum Vieux took home the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016.

The visit appeals to both the curious and the discerning enthusiast: self-guided tour through the workshops, displays explaining each stage of production, and a final tasting at the Rum Cabin. The site combines active production with old industrial heritage, featuring a preserved windmill and lime kiln on the grounds.

The history of Damoiseau

The story of the estate begins in the late 19th century, when the Rimbaud family, originally from Martinique, founded the agricultural estate of Bellevue, dedicated to sugar cane. In 1942, Roger Damoiseau purchased the estate and established a distillery focused on agricultural rum production.

In 1968, his son Roger expanded the business and launched bulk rum sales, which became a significant growth driver. In 1996, Hervé Damoiseau, the third generation, modernized the site and opened the distillery to the public. In 2005, he partnered with Clément rum (Martinique) to create Spiridom, a distribution company. Since 2011, a bottling and storage facility in Les Abymes, near Pointe-à-Pitre airport, has expanded the industrial operation and can accommodate up to 5 million bottles.

What to see and taste on site

The production of agricultural rum

The chalky soil of Grande-Terre and sunny climate are ideal for sugar cane, harvested at full maturity. The cane is crushed the same day; the juice ferments for 24 to 36 hours before undergoing continuous distillation. The rum leaves the columns at 86% to 88%, then is brought to the desired strength or aged. The facilities include four distillation columns, each bearing a name: Speichim, Roger, Iméca, and Honoré.

The range and award-winning cuvées

Damoiseau produces white rums at 40°, 50°, and 55°, as well as aged rums in oak barrels that previously held bourbon, from a few months to over six years. Key selections to remember:

• Virgin Cane Rhum Agricole Blanc 40%: rested 6 months in oak vats (gold 2017, agricultural white rums < 50%).
• Pure Canne 110 brought to 55%: aged 6 months in barrel, round and expressive.
• VSOP Rhum Vieux 42%: aged at least 4 years in bourbon barrels.
• XO Rhum Vieux 42%: minimum 6 years in barrels (Chairman's Trophy, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016).

The visit route

The visit is self-guided, with no guide, along a marked path with explanatory signs that follows the stages of production, from crushing to barreling. Along the way, the old windmill and lime kiln recall the historical use of the site. The route ends at the Rum Cabin, dedicated to tasting the cuvées and direct sales.

When to visit

The distillery is open year-round, Monday to Saturday (hours vary by season; check ahead of your visit). The most interesting period remains the sugar harvest campaign, generally February to June: this is when the cane is crushed and the columns run at full capacity, with visible activity and the characteristic fermentation aromas. Outside the campaign, visits are still possible but the industrial operation is at a standstill.

Practical information

• Address: Bellevue, Le Moule, 97160, Guadeloupe.
• Visit: self-guided, marked route with explanatory signs.
• Tasting: at the Rum Cabin at the end of the route, direct sales on site.
• Duration: allow 1 to 1.5 hours to enjoy the site and tasting.
• Budget: entry and tasting are accessible; bottle prices are in line with the Guadeloupean agricultural rum market.

How to get there

From Pointe-à-Pitre, allow approximately one hour of driving. Take the N5 north toward Grande-Terre in the direction of Morne-à-l'Eau, then follow signs to Le Moule. Drive through the town center and turn right onto the D101 toward Bellevue: the estate is just a few minutes away. A rental car is the most practical option, as public transportation is limited in this area.

Things to see nearby

The distillery can be integrated into a day of discovery on Grande-Terre and the municipality of Le Moule, the former sugar capital. To extend the industrial theme, the Factory Plant bears witness to the island's sugary past. For nature and swimming, Grande Anse Beach and the Carbet Waterfalls on Basse-Terre round out a varied itinerary. Military history enthusiasts can venture to Fort Napoléon in Les Saintes.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

To integrate Damoiseau Distillery into a broader itinerary combining Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, and the southern islands, explore our Guadeloupe travel ideas.