Clément Très Vieux Cuvée l’Elixir

Clement is a Martinique estate with three centuries of history, and this Tres Vieux Cuvee l'Elixir is a six year agricole distilled at Distillerie du Simon. Made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice on a Creole column still under the island's AOC and bottled unsweetened at a soft 42%, it sits at the gentler, more approachable end of aged agricole.

Six years in cognac casks give it a soft, cognac cast, with sugarcane and honey on the nose, orange peel, vanilla and light wood on the palate, and a dry finish led by sugarcane. The grassy agricole edge is muted rather than pronounced, so this leans toward smooth and honeyed rather than sharp and vegetal, the modest strength keeping it easy and unhurried. It is best taken as a gentle introduction for drinkers who like soft, lightly fruity sippers and want an agricole without the intense grassy snap, an unfussy bottle for relaxed evenings.