Takamaka Rum: Bernard d’Offay about the number 1 spirit from the Seychelles

Takamaka rum epitomises the spirit of the Seychelles. Each bottle is produced and bottled at the Trois Frères Distillery, which was opened in 2002 by brothers Bernard and Richard d’Offay. The products from the three series make Takamaka the number one spirit in the island state: it all started with the Seychelles series, which currently consists of six types of rum. The premium collection, the St Andre series, consists of four types of rum. The Le Clos series includes the brand’s limited and exclusive products. What they all have in common: They not only represent outstanding rum, but also capture the character of the more than 100 islands as well as the spirit of the people and their craft in the spirits.

We spoke to Bernard d’Offay in an interview – about the creation of the brand, the products and the collaboration with Kirsch Whisky in Germany.

Bernard, how long has the Trois Frères Distillery been around? Where and how was it found?

Bernard d’Offay: The distillery was opened in 2002 and was the result of my father and I deciding to order a book on home distillation back in 2000. We were initially just experimenting and testing for home consumption but eventually, after much trial and error, we decided that we might be able to make something remarkable. Our first batch of dark rum was produced shortly opening the distillery in Providence on Mahe island.

And a lot has happened since then. 2023 was an extremely successful year for you, right?

Bernard d’Offay: Yes, we opened up a total of 17 new markets in 2023. This means we distributed in over 50 markets across three continents.

In Germany, you have entered into a partnership with Kirsch Import. Why did you choose this company?

Bernard d’Offay: There were multiple reasons but the most important were reach, capability and passion. Kirsch has a very strong on-trade network that we felt would help us to penetrate the German and Luxembourg markets. Kirsch has a passion for the liquid, which will help them to be key ambassadors and partners for our brand and lastly, they are also a family-run business; a synergy with Trois Frères Distillery that is hard to ignore.

What products does Takamaka Rum include?

Bernard d’Offay: We have our core range, the Seychelles series, which consists of six rums – Rum Blanc, Dark Spiced, Overproof, Koko (Coconut), Zannanan (Pineapple) and the experimental Rum Zenn. We then have our premium collection, the St. Andre series, made up of four rums – Extra Noir, Zepis Kreol, Pti Lakaz and Grankaz.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Le Clos series, which is our limited edition selection. Often, these limited releases will be from a single or a couple of casks, always bottled at Cask Strength with nothing added and nothing taken away. They are a beautiful example of the rums we produce.

How are the rums produced?

Bernard d’Offay: The Seychelles series is distilled from molasses in a continuous column still and diluted with natural spring water from Takamaka’s water source in the Seychelles mountains. Koko and Zannannan are built on the soft, creamy character of Rum Blanc with the addition of natural essences such as ripe pineapple, coconut, vanilla, and tropical spices.

Rumm Zenn is an unaged rum that is then pressed with fines of oak wood from ex-bourbon casks – a truly unique tasting experience.  The St. Andre series is a blend of cane and molasses rum and pot and column distillation and ist he culmination of everything we learned over the last 20 years.

What do they taste like? And how do they capture the taste of the Seychelles?

Bernard d’Offay: Each of our rums has its own unique character and flavour profile that is a true expression of our island home. Whether it’s the exotic flavours of Koko or Zannanann or the complexity of aged and blended Grankaz, all our rums convey the taste that you would expect from the Indian ocean.

Where does the paradisiacal design come from? What does it embody?

Bernard d’Offay: Creative Agency Pearl Fisher worked on the rebrand, including new bottle designs and brand assets that capture the identity of Takamaka and its origin of the Seychelles, as the brand increases ist international distribution. Every aspect of the new identity and dynamic design has been inspired by Takamaka’s brand values and the Seychelles itself.

What plans do you have for Takamaka Rum – especially in Germany and worldwide?

Bernard d’Offay: We’re really excited about the future which involves focusing on growing the brand, supporting the market and sharing our Seychelles island spirit with customers in Germany and beyond.

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+++ We thank Bernard d’Offay for the open and very interesting interview! If you also have an interesting brand, then we should talk. Just send us an email with the subject “about-drinks interview” to redaktion@about-drinks.com – we look forward to hearing from you! +++