A1710 La Perle Brute 2022

La Perle Brute from A1710, the boutique line at the Distillerie du Simon in Martinique, a vintage 2022 white agricole. Distilled from a single cane parcel on a seven-plate copper column without reduction, it is pure fresh-pressed cane juice bottled unsweetened at a monumental 66%, about as intense as a blanc gets.

Despite the strength it is built for character rather than brute force. The nose is fresh and agricole-driven with fruit, light grass, citrus and sugar cane, plus subtle savoury hints of tomato and olive. The palate is oily and fresh, all agricole and citrus, and the finish stays fresh, citrussy, herbal and full of sugar cane. The high proof carries the aromatics without aggression, clean and surprisingly composed for what it is. Honest and unsweetened, it is a serious blanc for those who want the cane turned up to full volume, formidable neat and a powerhouse in a Ti' Punch.