Discover the world of Savanna

Just by using your RumX loyalty points , you could explore six incredible rums from the renowned Savanna distillery. Keep reading to find out how you can join this exclusive online masterclass with Samuel Pitarch on July 12, 2024 !

A Memorable Michelin Experience: Savanna Rum at Blanc Paris

As huge fans of Savanna rums, we at RumX were excited to be part of a very special event at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Blanc in Paris . The evening’s host was Chef Shinichi Sato, known for his deep love for Savanna rums . He hosted the launch of the new "Edition Blanc Paris" rum at his restaurant, making the evening truly memorable.

The event celebrated the growing popularity of high-quality rum and how well it fits into world-class cooking. Guests enjoyed a carefully planned menu where each dish was paired with a different Savanna rum, showing off the rums’ taste and Chef Sato’s culinary creativity.

This evening was more than just a tasting. It was a perfect example of how premium rum is now a big part of fine dining, proving just how exceptional and versatile Savanna's rums are. The "Blanc Paris Edition" ( RX20222 ) was introduced as a highlight, blending the lush flavors of Reunion Island with Chef Sato’s elegant dishes, and showing the perfect mix of old traditions and new ideas in every sip and bite.

Interview with Shinichi Sato and Sam Pitarch

During the Savanna event at Restaurant Blanc, we caught up with Samuel Pitarch (head of marketing at Savanna distillery) and Chef Shinichi Sato. Join us as they discuss merging old traditions with innovative cooking.

RumX: Sam, can you tell us more about how rum is made in La Réunion and what makes Savanna's approach unique?

Samuel Pitarch: Absolutely! At Savanna Distillery, we take a distinctive path by producing both molasses-based rums and agricole rums. This dual approach allows us to capture the full spectrum of flavors that our island's sugar cane can offer. While molasses rum remains central to our production due to La Réunion’s rich sugar industry heritage, we also embrace the fresh, grassy notes of agricole rum, which is made directly from sugar cane juice. This versatility is quite unique in the rum world and showcases our commitment to exploring all aspects of rum production.

We are particularly known for our high ester rums, including the Grand Arôme and HERR profiles, which are a specialty at Savanna. These rums involve a complex fermentation process that encourages the development of high ester compounds, resulting in intensely flavorful and aromatic rums. These specific rums are crafted to capture the bold, exotic flavors that are characteristic of our tropical environment.

RumX: Chef Sato, how did you develop a passion for rum?

Shinichi Sato: My journey into the world of spirits started with wine and whisky, influenced by my training in French cuisine. However, the high prices of whisky led me to explore other spirits, and that's when I discovered rum. Initially, I found rum a bit too sweet for my palate, but after meeting Atsushi Nakayama and tasting a Savanna rum, I was truly captivated by the high ester profiles, which marked the start of my deep dive into exceptional rums.

RumX: Sam, can you tell us more about the rum selected for Restaurant Blanc in Paris?

Samuel Pitarch: The rum chosen for Restaurant Blanc is a standout 14-year-old Savanna bottling. It matured first in stainless steel tanks for six years to enhance its fruity esters, then aged in oak casks for another eight years to develop a rich, complex profile, making it ideal for discerning palates.

This rum is particularly special because it comes from a HERR single cask - High Ester Rum Réunion, which is known for its intense flavors and aromatic richness. These casks are rare and highlight the tropical essence of our surroundings. Selected in close collaboration with Chef Sato and Nakayama, this cask exemplifies the unique fusion of innovation and tradition in Savanna rums, perfectly complementing the exquisite offerings at Restaurant Blanc.

RumX: Chef Sato, how do you incorporate this special rum into your menu?

Shinichi Sato: The unique profile of the rum we selected is incredibly versatile in culinary applications. Just a few drops can transform a dish, adding a special twist that complements my style of French cuisine influenced by Japanese precision and creativity.

RumX: Sam, what does it mean for Savanna to collaborate with a Michelin-starred restaurant like Blanc?

Samuel Pitarch: Collaborating with Restaurant Blanc is truly an honor for us at Savanna. This partnership goes beyond just introducing our rum to a new market; it's a powerful affirmation of mutual respect and shared dedication to excellence that Chef Sato exemplifies through his cuisine. It's about crafting a unique experience that perfectly encapsulates both our brands.

Moreover, this collaboration with a Michelin-starred restaurant like Blanc is not just a milestone for Savanna but also a significant moment for the world of premium rums. It underscores the exceptional quality and versatility of our spirits, showcasing them as sophisticated and refined, on par with the world’s best wines and whiskies. This partnership highlights the remarkable potential of high-quality rum to shine in the most prestigious gastronomic contexts.

RumX: Finally, how did this collaboration come about?

Samuel Pitarch: The collaboration sparked from a foundation of mutual respect and a shared passion for rum. Chef Sato had long been intrigued by the idea of selecting a specific cask to highlight in his restaurant. Through his connection with Atsushi Nakayama, a long-time friend and collaborator of ours at Savanna, the idea gradually took shape.

One fun anecdote from the cask picking process involves a tasting session we held in our cellar. Chef Sato and Nakayama were presented with several casks, each with its unique profile. The decision was tough, but a particular cask — now known as the "Edition Blanc Paris" — stood out because it struck the perfect balance between complex fruitiness and mature woodiness, which Chef Sato felt would perfectly complement his culinary style. Their excitement was palpable as they explored the nuanced flavors, and their choice has since matured into the deep, fruitful collaboration we cherish today.

RumX: Thank you, Sam and Chef Sato, for sharing your profound insights and stories with us.

Win a tasting set and join our masterclass

Excited about what you've learned from Samuel Pitarch and Chef Shinichi Sato? Ready to dive even deeper into the flavors of Savanna rums? Join our RumX Masterclass! It’s more than just a rum tasting – it's a chance to learn directly from Sam Pitarch about how Savanna makes its unique rums. You can ask your own questions, share your thoughts, or just listen and learn with other RumX members.

Here’s how you can join and have a chance to win a special rum tasting set:

• Enter the giveaway: Open the RumX app, go to your loyalty card, and use just 1 RX point to enter the prize draw for one of 40 tasting sets.
• Get more chances to win: Earn more RX points by buying rums in our marketplace, reviewing different rums, or signing up for an RX+ membership . The more points you have, the better your chances of winning.
• Masterclass details: Mark your calendar for July 12, 2024 . This online session with Samuel Pitarch is a great opportunity to taste the rums with other RumX community members, ask questions, and learn more about Savanna’s rums.

What’s included in the masterclass:

• Tasting set: Winners will get a set of five 2cl samples, each showing a different side of Savanna’s expert rum-making.
• Learn and discuss: This masterclass will help you understand how Savanna creates its rums. It's a chance to talk directly with Sam and discuss rum with other enthusiasts.

This class is your doorway to becoming an expert in Savanna rums. Don't miss this chance to try new rums and grow your knowledge. We're excited to see you there and share this tasting experience!

What is your favorite savanna?

Before you go: What’s your favorite Savanna rum, and why? Please tell us in the comments below and share your thoughts with the RumX community!