Saint James Rhum Blanc Imperial Biologique 2020

Saint James has distilled in Martinique since 1765 and is among the island's largest houses, instantly recognisable by its squared bottle. This Blanc Imperial Biologique is an organic, AOC agricole from the 2020 vintage, distilled from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice on a creole column and bottled unsweetened at 40%.

As an unaged blanc it leans entirely on the freshness of the cane: a fresh, floral and lemony nose over sugarcane, a palate of sugarcane, vegetal and herbal notes with lemon peel, and a mild, peppery, vegetal finish. The organic cane and gentle strength make it light and clean rather than powerful, an easy and approachable take on the style. It is a straightforward, honest white that some find close to the standard bottling, with the freshness and floral lift its main draw. A sound everyday agricole blanc for neat sipping or for building the classic lime and cane Ti Punch.