The Penny Blue Stamp
The name Penny Blue is derived from a Mauritian legend, the Penny Blue stamp. Created as part of the inaugural postal service, in 1847, under the watchful eye of the Governor of Mauritius, the stamp was to be used for invitations to a fancy dress ball held by the Governor’s wife.
The engraver rushed to the Post Office to talk with the Postmaster. On arriving, he read the sign ‘Post Office’ and took it to be the correct inscription for the postal stamps.
It was only after printing that the engraver’s mistake was discovered. The inscription should have read ‘Post Paid’ as with UK stamps. With only 500 produced, its rarity has made it one of the most expensive stamps in the world.
Each Penny Blue stamp was hand printed, giving them a unique fingerprint, which is mirrored in our Single Estate’s influence on our rum.