COME AND MEET WILFRID LEBON

THE HEIGHTS

The founder of “Arômes Distillerie” in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Wilfrid Lebon embodies the very essence of innovation with his passion for craft spirits. A former chef, these days he turns the Reunionese terroir’s treasures into unique rums, vodkas, gins and whiskies. Drawing inspiration from his travels and the encounters that have marked his life path, Wilfrid focuses on creation of 100% local products that reflect the Island’s soul. His aim in life? To set your taste buds travelling while highlighting Reunion Island’s remarkable diversity.

©Wilfrid Lebon P1051187 Zartisans Du Gout@irt Zest.re Dt Dec 2034

A career guided by passion and encounters

Wilfrid Lebon never planned to be a distiller. His first love was cookery, which he devoted himself to for several years, finally becoming a chef in a starred restaurant.

It was during visits to Metropolitan France and the West Indies that he discovered the magic of processing : “What got me hooked was the idea of starting with a raw product and turning it into something completely different”, he explains. His time in Guadeloupe, with a family that had been distillers for centuries, marked a decisive turning point.

While he was there, he learnt the basics of making craft rum and began to nurture the idea of adapting the techniques involved to Reunion Island. Encounters with cognac and whisky distillers in Metropolitan France furthered his interest in exploring this world, until he finally decided to commit himself to this new adventure.

The inspiration of the Highlands and the Reunionese terroir

The Reunion Island Highlands’ landscapes, with their microclimates and biodiversity, provide Wilfrid with a constant source of inspiration. Based in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, he takes full advantage of the region’s peace and quiet in order to nurture his creativity. “Working in a setting like this enables me to ponder and experiment. It’s the ideal spot for creating products that reflect the Island’s soul”, he asserts.

With more than 40 microclimates, Reunion Island is an ideal playground for exploring flavours. For example, he succeeded in growing juniper berries, one of gin’s key ingredients, on the Plaine des Cafres plateau after several failed attempts elsewhere on the Island. By rehabilitating old sugarcane varieties such as tamarind cane, he also showcases a unique agricultural heritage. “What counts is being able to provide outstanding products while staying true to the terroir”, he adds.

An audacious personal vision

For Wilfrid, distillation is above all a matter of creativity and pleasure. He often compares his work to a chef’s:” You can’t please everyone, but the important thing is to stay true to your vision and enjoy yourself”. This freestyle approach enables him to continue innovating and surprising spirits lovers.

With “Arômes Distillerie”, Wilfrid Lebon has redefined the art of distillation on Reunion Island. His resolutely local creations bear witness to his ambition to showcase Reunionese knowhow far beyond the Island’s borders.