Excellence Rhum Bielle 04 Collection (10th Anniversary) 2021

Marie Galante blancs are bottled high by local custom, and this Bielle, released by Excellence Rhum for a tenth anniversary, takes that to an extreme. Made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice on a column still and presented as an unsweetened single cask at a towering 74.5%, it is a brut de colonne that demands respect, water and time.

For all its power, it is built around clean fruit rather than raw heat. The nose is fruity and herbal with citrus and mirabelle plum, the palate is warm and intensely concentrated with sugar cane, lemon tart, licorice and strong spice, and the finish stays herbal, citrusy and forceful. The alcohol is impressively well integrated for the strength. This is one for experienced drinkers only, a thrilling, ultra dry agricole best opened up slowly with water and patience.