CAPTIVATED BY CUSTOMERS

I have been living in Mauritius since 2016, and this tropical paradise has become a second home for our family. We have channeled all our experiences from living there into our own projects. We founded MORIS trade with the goal of importing our premium rums. The word ‘Moris’ means Mauritius in Creole. Our second business activity is the import of premium products from the island (Chamarel coffee, fresh vanilla pods, exotic jams, teas, and tropical candied fruits).

Mauritius needs no special introduction to rum connoisseurs. It boasts a rich history and tradition of rum production. As early as 1598, Dutch colonizers brought sugarcane from Indonesia to the island, becoming the first pioneers in producing an alcoholic beverage they called Arak. The tropical climate, abundant rainfall, and warmth, combined with fertile volcanic soil, destined this country to be a producer of cane sugar and rum. Currently, sugarcane is cultivated on 90% of the island’s agricultural land. To this day, sugar production is maintained in several large sugar mills. Presently, 5-7 distilleries are dedicated to producing world-renowned rum brands.

One cannot help but be captivated by rum in Mauritius. Rum enthusiasts will undoubtedly confirm this from their own experience. Anyone visiting the island will certainly not miss the opportunity to not only taste rums but also to visit local distilleries directly. Interestingly, despite this, many locals in Mauritius do not drink rum and prefer whisky. This is a remnant of British colonial times. The British were on the island for 160 years until its independence in 1968.

White rum and its variations account for the largest share of consumption on the island. These are young rums, consumed after several months of aging, and available in various forms. Pure white rum is most frequently used in mixed drinks. Interesting combinations are created by macerating exotic fruits, a blend of spices, and vanilla pods. On the island, you will encounter mandarin, caramel, vanilla, coconut, coffee, ginger, passion fruit, and spiced rums. These are refreshing and full of exotic flavors.

Each distillery employs very specific traditional recipes and procedures, including fermentation, distillation, and subsequent aging. Some utilize pot still distillation, while others opt for a classic column still. This also holds true for the aging of rums and the barrels used for this purpose. Most commonly, these are old oak barrels previously used for brandy, whisky, bourbon, as well as for fortified wines, port, and sherry. The island’s tropical climate is ideal not only for sugarcane cultivation but also for the production processes themselves.

We are introducing two premium brands of Mauritian rum to the European market. Both are limited editions; the annual production for Vintage of Mauritius is 990 bottles, and for Royal Rhum, it is 490 bottles. Vintage of Mauritius is a blend of 6 to 8-year-old molasses rums. An original, time-honored recipe combined with triple distillation has created a unique harmony of exotic flavors. It is sweeter, with the taste and aroma of tropical fruit, nuts, and vanilla, culminating in a long, delicate finish.

Royal Rhum represents the category of ‘agricole rums.’ These are typically found in French overseas territories such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, as well as Reunion Island and Mauritius. Unlike molasses rums, agricole rums are produced from freshly pressed sugarcane juice and possess distinct taste and quality characteristics. They offer a pronounced intense aroma, a balanced woody taste with notes of tropical fruit and spices, and a dry, spicy, intense finish. Unlike Vintage of Mauritius, this is not a blend. It is a single cask rum, aged for 10 years. Both our brands are triple distilled in a column still and aged in French oak barrels. The quality of our rums is further enhanced by being bottled in substantial French glass bottles with high-quality Italian cork stoppers and stylish labels. Bottling and labeling are performed exclusively by hand. It is estimated that there are over 16,000 different types of rum worldwide, and we are pleased to be part of this extensive family.

In recent years, rums have enjoyed exceptional popularity in Slovakia. While there were eras dominated by cognacs, whiskies, and many other spirits, rum is truly unique. The world of rum and its exploration is beautiful, diverse, and incredibly rich. Over time, casual consumers evolve into connoisseurs who appreciate the sheer variety and the virtually endless opportunities for new experiences. At tastings, I encounter beginners who are just discovering the world of rum, but increasingly, I meet seasoned rum enthusiasts with extensive experience. Today, one can choose from a wide array of rums of various types, qualities, and price points. Our customers are diverse, yet an increasing number of them prioritize quality.

Following the launch of our rums, feedback from customers and during tastings is paramount to us. Thus far, we have received only positive responses. I have journeyed extensively and been present at all stages of the creation of new brands directly in their country of origin. This is a compelling topic that I present at customer meetings.

MORIS trade maintains commercial representation for both the Slovak and Czech Republics through its own sales representatives. Our clientele includes selected hotels, restaurants, golf resorts, bars, as well as end consumers who can conveniently make purchases via our e-shop. Tastings are highly popular, during which I discuss rum production in Mauritius, accompanied by a sampling of our rums, exotic premium products, and handmade cigars.