The distillery
Ambalavao, since 1970.
A craft distillery in Ambalavao Tsienimparihy, in the southern highlands of Madagascar.
Before
Toaka gasy
For centuries, Betsileo country has fermented and distilled cane out of sight. Toaka gasy, the contraband rum, is made deep in the forest: a know-how passed down through families, and part of Malagasy identity.
1970
Jean Verger
Jean Verger founded the Ambalavao distillery, in the heart of Betsileo country, to champion a rum he saw as a national treasure.
Today
Christian Razafimahatratra
Founder of the 303 Rhum brand, he carries the legacy forward with his team and keeps refining every step: fermentation, distillation, ageing, blending.
Why 303
A postal code, not a slogan.
Ambalavao’s postal code is 303. We gave that number to our rum: it says where it was born, and who makes it.
Terroir
Two raw materials, one distillery.
Wild cane grows along the rivers of the south; we buy it directly from the farmers. Molasses comes from the sugar mills of the north. Depending on the rum, one or the other is fermented, distilled, aged and blended in Ambalavao.
Craft
From cane to glass.
The cane
Wild cane, cut along the rivers and bought directly from the growers.
The mill
The cane is crushed and its fresh juice set to ferment.
The still
Two passes through the still for our pure cane rums.
The bottles
Made and bottled in Ambalavao.
Trade
Bars, wine shops, importers.
In Madagascar and abroad: prices, availability and samples on request. The 2025 catalogue covers the full range.