Bielle Brut de Fût 2018

Bielle Brut de Fut 2018 is a cask-strength aged agricole from Bielle on Marie-Galante, made from fresh sugar-cane juice rather than molasses. Bielle is known on the island for its cane experiments and high-proof bottlings, and this brut de fut carries the 2018 vintage, given seven years in ex-bourbon oak and bottled unsweetened straight from cask.

The profile here runs a touch unusual for Bielle, leaning dark and smoky, which a different cask may explain. The nose carries wood, roasted notes, glue and dried fruit, the palate turns woody and smoky with polish and caramel, and the finish stays woody and smoky with a dry, medicinal edge. Tropical ageing has pushed firm oak extraction over the cane core. At 54.4% it is full-strength and dry, an aged Marie-Galante agricole for drinkers who enjoy a smoky, wood-driven take on the island's cane juice.