Nobilis Carrere Montebello No. 22A (Brut de Colonne) 2019

Bottled by Nobilis Rum, this is a single cask Montebello from the Carrere distillery in Guadeloupe, a brut de colonne agricole blanc distilled from fresh pressed sugar cane and bottled at an extraordinary 82.8%, undiluted and unsweetened from a 2019 vintage. Montebello is a traditional Basse-Terre agricole house, and this is about as raw and powerful as cane juice white gets.

For all the strength it rewards patience, opening with water and rest in the glass to reveal an oily texture and a vivid spread of fermented melon, citrus, fresh sugar cane, green olive and floral notes. The finish is warm, grassy and vegetal. This is unmistakably a glass for seasoned drinkers, intense and uncompromising, at its best in a powerhouse Ti' Punch or sipped very slowly with plenty of dilution. As a brut de colonne it is a reference for those who love raw, vegetal cane power.