A1710 La Perle Fine 2023

A1710 is a boutique Martinique label based at the Distillerie du Simon, working outside the AOC with its own approach to cane-juice rum, and La Perle Fine 2023 is an overproof blanc distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses.

Bottled at a fierce 67.5%, this is a concentrated white that still keeps its cane focus: a fresh, round, vegetal sugarcane nose, then a sweet-edged, warm palate with mint and anise, finishing on citrus, sugarcane and a faintly medicinal note. The high proof packs in aroma and wants a splash of water, after which it shows clear depth above the lighter, gentler blancs. A bold, characterful cane-juice white from a producer known for going its own way with Martinique rum.