Grays Inc. Ltd Unveils New Grove Inception 2004 at Whisky Live Paris 2025
From September 27 to 29, Grays Inc. Ltd participated in the renowned Whisky Live Paris event at La Grande Halle de la Villette, showcasing its selection of Mauritian rums and the exceptional new addition: New Grove Inception 2004.
The day before, on September 26, the brand hosted a private event at the Mauritian restaurant "Papa o Rhum" in Paris for about thirty guests. This was an opportunity to explore Mauritian cocktails and "gadjaks" while revealing New Grove Inception 2004, a rare vintage aged for 21 years, showcasing the unique craftsmanship of the New Grove distillery. "We have been participating in Whisky Live Paris for several years and, since last year, we have increased our visibility with a larger exhibition space and vibrant branding. This presence reaffirms our position as a leader in the Mauritian rum industry and our role in showcasing our island's craftsmanship in a competitive world," explained Yannick Noel, Business Unit Manager – Rum & Export at Grays.
Like sugarcane cultivation, rum is an integral part of Mauritius's history and heritage. New Grove Inception 2004 is one of the oldest official rums on the island, distilled at Beau Plan, an iconic site where the distillery resumed production after a long hiatus. This vintage reflects the deep connection between the Mauritian terroir, artisanal craftsmanship, and the island's history.
New Grove Inception 2004 is a molasses-based rum distilled in a continuous column. Aged since 2004 in French Limousin oak barrels and ex-cognac casks, this rum has been meticulously blended from two rigorously selected barrels. The outcome is a rare authentic vintage, cultivated, distilled, and aged on the same estate, embodying the precision and excellence of Mauritian craftsmanship.
On the nose, it reveals notes of caramelized sugar, molasses, yellow fruits, gentle spices, wood, and dried fruits. On the palate, it offers a true sensory journey to the orchards of the island's north, with aromas of citrus, yellow peach, fresh apricot, prunes, and gentle spices. The finish is characterized by its enveloping strength and subtlety, punctuated by a delicate menthol freshness that extends the tasting experience.
"Since its inception, New Grove has demonstrated its expertise through rigorous distillation techniques and original aging methods, creating a unique aromatic palette, whose exclusivity has been refined over the years," added Yannick Noel.
Grays Inc. Ltd's participation in Whisky Live Paris has enhanced the international visibility of its rums and underscored the importance of promoting Mauritian heritage on the global spirits stage. The launch of New Grove Inception 2004 marked a pivotal moment, highlighting the distillery's ability to blend tradition and innovation to appeal to connoisseurs and mixology enthusiasts both locally and internationally.