Bologne Le Distillat (100% Canne Noire) 2022

Bologne, a Guadeloupe distillery on Basse-Terre, made Le Distillat from 100% canne noire, a single black-cane variety, and bottled it brut de colonne at full strength 70.2%. Pressed from fresh cane juice rather than molasses, it is an unaged white that showcases what one cane variety brings to the glass.

Distilled on a column kept low to preserve the vegetal cane character, it opens with fresh sugarcane, agricole and citrus, turns fruity and anise-tinged on the palate, then finishes warm, fresh and spicy. The black cane gives it a distinctly floral, earthy, herbaceous edge, and despite the proof the alcohol integrates well once the rum is given time to rest. A powerful, single-variety blanc rewarding attention, at home neat after a rest or in a serious ti' punch.