Longueteau Papillon Freespirit

Longueteau is the oldest family-owned Guadeloupe agricole distillery still running, working from the Esperance estate. This Papillon Freespirit is a young expression, distilled from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice on a creole column still and rested one year in ex-bourbon oak before bottling at 45%. It is made without added sugar, true to the dry agricole tradition.

At a year old it keeps much of the freshness of a blanc, with fruity, vegetal and lightly spicy aromatics over the grassy cane base. The brief oak time rounds the palate into caramel, cinnamon and a bright orange note, with gentle spice running underneath. The result is a fresh, lively agricole that bridges blanc and aged styles, dry and snappy enough for a Ti' Punch yet rounded enough to sip neat. A good introduction to Longueteau's house character at honest strength.