La Favorite Coeur de Canne 2021

La Favorite is one of Martinique's last family run distilleries, and this Coeur de Canne from the 2021 harvest is a white agricole bottled under the island's AOC, which bans any added sugar. Unsweetened at 55%, it is a punchy, full bodied blanc, a higher proof sibling to the gentler bottlings in the range.

Distilled on a creole column run low to keep the green cane congeners, then rested rather than aged, it stays bright but carries real weight. The nose runs vegetal and cane heavy with fresh greenery and grass, the palate is dense with sugar cane, vegetal notes and a peppery edge, and the finish keeps citrus, grass and fresh vegetal character going. The 55% adds body and intensity without losing the pure cane focus, making it a fine neat pour for blanc lovers and a commanding base for ti' punch.