Bielle Brut de Colonne 2019

Bielle is a Marie Galante distillery known for cane variety experiments and high proof blancs, and this Brut de Colonne takes that to an extreme, bottled straight off the still at a fierce 71.2% from the 2019 record. Distilled from fresh pressed cane juice on a column still in the agricole tradition, it is an unaged white at the very top of the strength scale.

At this proof the cane character is laser sharp, the nose fresh and vegetal with sugarcane, lime and florals, the palate full of cane sap, vegetal and minty notes, the finish carrying fresh cane and spice with touches of anise, licorice and faint smoke. Despite the strength it stays precise rather than harsh, the vegetal freshness cutting through the heat. This is strictly one for experienced drinkers, demanding respect and water, at home in a punchy Ti Punch or sipped with great care.