Dormoy Depaz Punch Coco

Punch coco is a Martinique tradition, a coconut rum punch usually built on local agricole, and this version from Dormoy uses cane juice spirit from the well regarded Depaz distillery at the foot of Mont Pelee. It is not a straight rhum but a prepared punch, sweetened and enriched with coconut, so it belongs with flavoured rums rather than dry vieux agricole.

The profile is simple and indulgent, with coconut and a little spirit on the nose, then a palate of coconut and cream that is soft, rich and clearly sweet. At 18% it is gentle and low in alcohol, drinking closer to a coconut cream liqueur than a sipping rum, which is exactly what a punch coco sets out to be. Served well chilled or over ice it makes an easy dessert pour, and the Depaz cane juice base gives it a touch more backbone than a purely industrial coconut liqueur. Honest, festive and undemanding.