Bielle 40th Anniversary 2008

Bielle is a Marie-Galante distillery known for cane variety experiments and high proof blancs, and this 40th Anniversary bottling is its more polished, aged face, a seven year old from the 2008 vintage made from fresh pressed cane juice and bottled at a natural 53.4%. It rewards attention, an amped up version of the house style that gains aroma and texture without turning aggressive.

Distilled on a column and matured in ex bourbon wood, it sits between an agricole's grassy snap and a richer aged sweetness. The nose runs vanilla, wood, dried apricot and citrus, the palate keeps vanilla and citrus over grassy cane and dark chocolate, and the finish turns to barrel, toffee, almond and honey. Silky and well integrated for its strength, it suits anyone who already enjoys Bielle or a balanced, refined agricole and wants a touch more power.