CDI Caraïbes Édition de Noël

Compagnie des Indes is the French house known for terroir led, broad origin bottlings, and this Caraïbes Édition de Noël is a festive single cask, a five year old blend matured in ex-bourbon wood and bottled at 40%. The Christmas edition carries a fir liqueur twist that lifts the nose, in keeping with Florent Beuchet's playful, transparent approach to sourcing across the Caribbean.

In the glass it stays relatively light, with molasses, fresh and spicy aromas and a whiff of smoke, opening onto honeyed and ripe fruit, fresh almond and a soft woody warmth. The palate brings herbal notes, black pepper and dried apricot with a touch of bitterness, before a finish of caramelised vanilla and light fruit. The seasonal fir element adds freshness, though some prefer the standard blend, finding the addition a little bittersweet on the close. At 40% it is an easy, characterful festive pour.