The story of Dillon Distillery begins at the historic "Girardin" house, which originally housed a sugar refinery passed down through generations. One of the family’s daughters, Marie-Françoise Laure de Girardin, also known as "Marie-Laure," married the nobleman, the Count de La Touche de Longpré, a lieutenant of the Vaisseau du Roy. Tragically, the Count passed away, leaving Marie-Laure a widow at the young age of 28.
Some years later, Marie-Laure crossed paths with the Dillon Regiment, an Irish unit fighting for France under Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. During the American War of Independence, this regiment was traveling under the command of Colonel Arthur Dillon. Arthur, a valiant soldier from a distinguished lineage of fighters dating back to the 12th century, captured Marie-Laure’s heart.
Arthur Dillon had volunteered to accompany the Marquis de Lafayette to America during the Revolutionary War. Later, he was stationed in Martinique to lead various military campaigns. It was there, amidst the battles, that he reunited with Marie-Laure de Girardin at the Girardin house. They fell in love, and Arthur decided to settle in Martinique. The couple married, making Marie-Laure the Countess Dillon, and together, they had a daughter, Fanny Dillon.
Their union also marked the birth of the Dillon Distillery in the heart of Fort-de-France, Martinique. Over the centuries, the distillery has withstood countless challenges, including harsh weather and cyclones. Today, Dillon agricultural rums are celebrated worldwide for their exceptional quality, carrying forward a legacy of resilience, tradition, and excellence.