Neisson Straight from the Barrel (No. 278) 2021

This Straight from the Barrel No. 278 is a Neisson single cask bottled undiluted, a Martinique agricole distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and given four years in cognac casks. The Straight from the Barrel releases are known for variation cask to cask, and this 2021 lands at a forceful 58.9%, AOC Martinique and built for a drinker ready for higher proof.

The cognac cask layers dark fruit over the dry agricole base, the nose carrying vanilla, wood, fruit and raisin. The palate is woody and oily with fruit and sugarcane, dark berries and a herbal streak running through, the finish dry, warm and spicy over wood. The added-sugar status is unstated and the style runs dry. At this strength a splash of water opens the fruit and tames the heat, which is how most will want it. A powerful, cask-driven agricole for neat sipping with a little dilution.